The New Orleans Pelicans are in the driver's seat on their way to winning their first Southwest Division title since 2008, thanks in large part to the recent endorsement of star forward Zion Williamson.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst explained on Monday's episode. hoop collective (42:50 mark) Over the past few months, Williamson says striving to get better has fueled the Pelicans' success.
“I've heard from people in New Orleans that Zion Williamson has lost over 25 pounds since the season tournament was held in December and his performance has been great,” Windhorst said. “He's playing less minutes and I think that's helping, but some people say he's lost 25 pounds. He doesn't say things like he used to, 'Oh, he's got more muscle.' “I don't have him.'' “Is he?''
The Pelicans' loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the semifinals of the in-season tournament was the wake-up call Williamson needed. He did not play in the nationally televised showdown with the legendary LeBron James and scored just 13 points in the 133-89 loss. He faced many detractors for his performance in that match, but now he looks like a completely different player.
Williamson, who leads the Pelicans with 22.6 points per game, is averaging 23.9 points on 62.5 percent shooting so far in March. New Orleans (41-26) has won eight of nine games this month and holds a 2.5-game lead over the Dallas Mavericks in the Southwest Division.
Williamson and the Pelicans will look to continue their momentum as they begin a four-game road trip on Tuesday against the Brooklyn Nets (26-42).
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