The Philadelphia 76ers didn’t get a chance to see the New Orleans Pelicans phenomenon, Zion Williamson, in his debut season in 2019-20. He was injured in the match that the teams had in December 2019 and the second match ended with the suspension of the season.
On Friday they had a full tasting of Duke’s sophomore star.
Williamson was a beast in the paint all night and had 37 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists to lead the Pelicans to a 101-94 victory. He was aggressive all night shooting 15 vs. 28 and was 7 vs. 11 from the line, as he really set the tone for them all night.
“He’s just growing up,” coach Doc Rivers said. “He is still so young, but his speed and power are not visible. We did a terrible job with him tonight. We gave him all the angles and everything he wanted, but you have to be great to catch him. I thought that all the mistakes we made, Zion took advantage of them tonight ”.
Tobias Harris was another defender who matched him in this one and was amazed at his fitness.
“Honestly, 37 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, one challenge,” Harris said. “He is as physically gifted as he gets, and his physicality and his way of using his athletics to go down, to make powerful plays, is enormous. I mean this was our first game against them this year, against him really, but it’s the real deal. “
It was the way Williamson scored. He was finishing around Joel Embiid, propelling Harris and Ben Simmons, and also agile enough to knock down one or two floats. It was just a great performance for him.
“He has the size, the speed and the agility that there is to make downhill plays that were tough all night for us,” Harris added. “When I raise physicality, it’s a real thing, but that’s a strong guy coming at you.”
It was clear the Sixers had no answers for him all night and it was a great performance for him. Rivers will give credit where he needs it, but he won’t be happy with it either after his team has lost.
“He played terribly and he’s a fantastic kid,” Rivers finished. “I know him a little. I haven’t been happy for him tonight honestly, but it’s a burden. You have to plan the game and you have to have the right game plan to deal with it. ”
The Sixers now continue the road trip against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!