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WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 09: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts to a play against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 9, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
on Tuesday evening, the New Orleans Pelicans are playing the Golden State Warriors at the Smoothie King Center.
One of the team’s bright spots has been the play (and availability) of Zion Williamson.
The Duke legend had 13 points, five rebounds and two steals while shooting 7/13 from the field and 1/1 from three-point range in his first 20 minutes of playing time.
Zion Williamson’s Absurd Dunk Goes Viral
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 24: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans dunks over De’Anthony Melton #8 of the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter of an NBA game at Smoothie King Center on February 24, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
During the game, Williamson also had a huge dunk that got a lot of views on social media.
Via The NBA: “ZION rises up and HAMMERS it down!”
Williamson came into the night with averages of 21.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.0 steals per contest while shooting 58.7% from the field in 42 games.
He was the first pick in the 2019 NBA Draft after one season of college basketball.
So far, Williamson’s career has been more about his injuries (but when he’s on the floor, he’s been a top 25 player in the league).
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Zion Williamson swats the ball straight into the stands ⛔️
Despite Williamson spending more time in the lineup, the Pelicans have been among the worst teams in the entire NBA.
They are the 14th seed in the Western Conference with a 16-42 record in 58 games.
Over their last ten games, the Pelicans have gone 4-6 (and they are 10-21 at home).
Following Golden State, they will play their next game on Thursday night when they visit the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.
GettyWASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 09: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts to a play against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 9, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
Williamson will also receive great financial rewards for his ability to stay on the floor.
Via Legion Hoops (on February 20): “Zion Williamson can trigger a $42.2M contract guarantee for 2026-27 by playing in 61 games and meeting various weight conditions this season, per @KeithSmithNBA. Williamson is expected to play in his 41st game tonight 💰”
GettyNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 24: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts after scoring during the second quarter of an NBA game against the Golden State Warriors at Smoothie King Center on February 24, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
As for the Warriors, they came into the night as the eighth seed in the Western Conference with a 30-27 record in 57 games.
They have gone 4-6 over their last ten games (and 11-16 on the road).
Following the Pelicans, the Warriors will play their next game on Wednesday night when they visit the Memphis Grizzlies.
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 10: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts during the second quarter against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 10, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The Pelicans last made the NBA playoffs in 2024.
Williamson has yet to appear in a playoff game.