No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson recorded 14 points and nine rebounds as the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in his first game on the road.
Williamson logged a season-high 30 minutes in the 125-111 victory as he shot 7-of-13 from the field in his fourth game with the Pelicans, who are now 2-2 with Williamson in the lineup.
Since debuting on Jan. 22, Williamson has seen a gradual increase in playing time. The Pelicans wanted to ease Williamson back into action and kept him in the game for 30 minutes, which should quiet those calling for him to see more time.
Afterward, Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry spoke to just that.
Asked Alvin Gentry about Zion Williamson’s minutes:
“Don’t think many more guys are gonna play 30 a night. So I think we can put that one to bed.”
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) January 29, 2020
With Williamson seeing his most playing time thus far, his workload in the future could mirror what he saw on Tuesday night as the Pelicans look to keep him fresh down the stretch of the season. The Pelicans are off until Friday, which will give Williamson plenty of time to recover.
[lawrence-related id=10830,10815,10790]