Zion Williamson emphasized the importance of unity as the New Orleans Pelicans look to build for the future.
Following the team’s 127-120 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, Williamson reflected on the season and what lies ahead.
“When summer comes, we need to stick together, and by the time the season starts, we’ll be locked in and ready to go,” Williamson said, via HoopsHype.
The Pelicans snapped a four-game losing streak with the win, fueled by Williamson’s second career triple-double. The 24-year-old
has appeared in 27 games this season, averaging 24.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 28.6 minutes per game.
He finished with 22 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds, delivering a dominant fourth-quarter performance.
CJ McCollum led New Orleans with 23 points, while Trey Murphy III contributed 21, including a highlight-reel reverse alley-oop dunk.
Karlo Matkovic added 15 points, and Jose Alvarado provided 14 off the bench as the Pelicans shot 54.8% from beyond the arc.
Williamson acknowledged that the season hasn’t gone as planned but stressed the importance of developing good habits.
“The season hasn’t gone the way we wanted, but that doesn’t mean we can’t build into something for next year,” he said.
New Orleans built a 21-point lead in the first half before briefly falling behind in the third quarter.
Los Angeles struggled early from deep, missing 13 of its first 14 three-point attempts before regaining rhythm.
Kawhi Leonard led all scorers with 29 points, while James Harden had 25 points and 17 assists for the Clippers.
Ivica Zubac recorded a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, but the Clippers couldn’t contain Williamson down the stretch.
Tyronn Lue missed his second straight game due to back pain, with assistant coach Brian Shaw taking over sideline duties.
Williamson punctuated the third quarter with a coast-to-coast dunk, celebrating with punches to the basket padding.
He then dominated the fourth, scoring 10 points with five rebounds and five assists to keep the Pelicans in control.
Los Angeles made a late push, but New Orleans held firm behind clutch shooting and rebounding in the closing minutes.
The win improved the Pelicans’ record to 18-48, keeping them 14th in the Western Conference standings.
The Clippers dropped to 35-30, remaining eighth as the playoff race intensifies.
Mo Bamba made his New Orleans debut, grabbing seven rebounds and blocking a shot in 15 minutes after signing a 10-day contract.
Kelly Olynyk was rested, allowing Williamson to take on an even greater role in securing the victory.
With the season nearing its end, the Pelicans face key decisions as they prepare for the offseason.
Williamson’s comments suggest he is focused on team continuity, urging his teammates to stay committed to long-term growth.
His leadership will be crucial as New Orleans looks to turn its struggles into success next season.
