No. 1 overall pick Zion Williamson introduced himself to the NBA in a big way on Wednesday night as the New Orleans Pelicans lost to the San Antonio Spurs, 121-117.
Williamson erupted for 17 of his 22 total points during a three-minute stretch in the fourth quarter, in which he shot 6-of-8 from the field, including a perfect 4-for-4 from 3-point range.
Williamson became the first player in NBA history to score at least 22 points while playing fewer than 20 minutes in a debut game. He is also the only player to shoot 4-of-4 or better from 3-point range in a debut game.
As a result of his fourth-quarter outburst, Williamson sent social media into a frenzy as fans and media members alike marveled at his performance. His game also had current and former NBA players talking.
Worth the wait! https://t.co/nJfqAbpBgu
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 23, 2020
🎯 let him rock 🤦🏽♂️ https://t.co/YpNRkSfQZ0
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) January 23, 2020
But Aldridge was quick to add, "It was a fun night, the atmosphere was amazing. I enjoyed the energy in the building. I have been coming here for years and I don’t think it’s ever been this energetic in the building."
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) January 23, 2020
Everyone and including myself questioned Zion weight but I had a chance to see this young man up close in person last night and this kid is ripped up and move extremely Well for his size!!! Btw the kid has 8 Percent body fat. 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 23, 2020
"We didn't get rattled," DeMar said. (Zion) went on a hell of a run, but we kept our composure, executed when we needed to and got stops when we needed to.”
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) January 23, 2020
Omg!!!!!!!!!!! Who is this guess Dirk Williamson!!!!!
— Channing Frye (@channingfrye) January 23, 2020
Zion: "I didn’t want the restrictions, but I’m not a doctor…It was a dream come true. It was electric, but next time I want to win."
— Tom Orsborn (@tom_orsborn) January 23, 2020
Zionnnnnn 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
— Trevor Booker (@35_Fitz) January 23, 2020
Zion hooping
— Dorell Wright 🏁 (@DWRIGHTWAY1) January 23, 2020
Yeah Zion.
— 14 (@RjHampton14) January 23, 2020
Williamson tallied just five points heading into the fourth quarter, which made his outburst even more impressive. He appeared to be playing conservative early on but eventually became aggressive and that showed late in the game.
The Pelicans play next on Friday against the Denver Nuggets.
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