Zion Williamson wasn’t able to carry over his preseason scoring momentum into opening night, but he played a key role in the second half as the Pelicans beat the Raptors in Toronto.
Williamson got into foul trouble in the first half, and was pulled off the court early in the second quarter after picking up his third personal of the game.
He finally got involved in the transition game in the third quarter, and helped the Pelicans outscore the Raptors 38-22 in the quarter to take control of the game.
Pelicans vs. Raptors recap: The good, the bad and the Lonzo Ball
Williamson finished the game with 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting, with 10 rebounds, six assists, one steal, one block and a team-high six turnovers in 30 minutes.
SWAT team 🚨 @Zionwilliamson pic.twitter.com/6LoQarzZ2T
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 24, 2020
The Pelicans will return to the floor on Christmas Day in Miami with a game against the Heat at 12:00 p.m.
As noted by ESPN Stats and Info, Williamson is still scoring at a historic rate this early in his career.
Zion Williamson now has 555 career points (finished with 15 tonight).
That is the most through a player's first 25 career games since Allen Iverson (556). pic.twitter.com/FzuJok1fZW
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 24, 2020