Zion Williamson scored 31 points on Sunday, just a point shy of his season-high, as he powered the visiting New Orleans Pelicans toward victory against the Sacramento Kings.
The Kings’ defense, which over the last seven games has been the NBA’s worst allowing opponents to score 131.7 points per outing, was helpless trying to stop the Pels’ explosive forward.
Before the game, Kings TV play-by-play announcer Mark Jones and color analyst Doug Christie shared their concerns regarding the hosts’ ability to contain the sensational 20-year-old.
“They’re going to have a bully in the paint [that] they’re going to have to deal with. His name is Zion Williamson, [he’s] maybe the most unique player in the game, Doug, too quick for bigs, too strong for guys his size,” said Jones in his pregame remarks.
“That sounds illegal is what it sounds… That sounds like Shawn Kemp and Charles Barkley had a child together because he is an absolute beast. I was introduced to him on social media through my son. Look at this guy in high school, [then he] goes to Duke, he’s must-see television, and now he’s in the NBA and he continues on his way. Kings are going to have their hands full this evening,” replied Kings legend Christie.
He was right – the home team players’ hands were full as Williamson repeatedly bulldozed his way to the basket to finish the night with the best shooting performance of his short NBA career. Williamson made 13 of his 15 field goals (86.7 percent) and was a perfect 5-of-5 from the free throw line.
In terms of shooting accuracy, this was an improvement over Williamson’s previous personal best, which he posted on Aug. 6, 2020, also against the Kings. That night, he made 83.3 percent of his shots, hitting 10 of 12.
