Zion Williamson’s return to the court has been nothing short of transformative for the New Orleans Pelicans. After a series of leg injuries, Williamson made a powerful comeback against the Cleveland Cavaliers, showcasing his undeniable influence on the game. Despite the Pelicans’ 131-122 loss, Williamson’s performance was a beacon of hope, scoring 29 points on 18 shots, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out four assists. His ability to draw fouls and convert free throws—11 out of 13 attempts—underscored his critical role in the team’s dynamics.
The game wasn’t without its tense moments. Williamson’s brief exit in the second quarter due to a left thigh strain raised concerns, especially given his recent injury history. However, his return to finish the game was reassuring, suggesting that the strain might have been a precautionary measure rather than a serious setback. His presence on the court is a game-changer, as evidenced by the Pelicans’ ability to lead against a formidable Cavaliers team, even if only for parts of the game.
The Small Ball Debate
The Pelicans’ game against the Cleveland Cavaliers highlighted the ongoing debate about their small ball strategy. With key players like C.J. McCollum, Dejounte Murray, and Herb Jones sidelined, the team has been forced to rely on its depth. While players like Jose Alvarado shone with 27 points, the absence of a traditional center in the closing lineup raised eyebrows. Javonte Green found himself matched against bigger opponents like Jared Allen and Evan Mobley, which seemed a mismatch on paper.
Yves Missi had a solid performance with 10 points, three blocks, and four rebounds, but his defensive struggles in complex plays were evident. The Cavaliers exploited this by putting him in challenging situations, which led to questions about whether he should have been on the floor during critical moments. While some argue that Missi’s presence could have altered the game’s outcome, the Pelicans’ decision to stick with small ball was aimed at maximizing offensive opportunities for Williamson.
The small ball approach, however, requires a commitment to playing with pace and generating three-point opportunities. In the fourth quarter, the Pelicans fell short in this regard, with only Alvarado and Brandon Boston Jr. attempting threes. If the team is to continue with this strategy, they must fully embrace its strengths, such as early offense and spacing, to offset the defensive vulnerabilities it creates.
Offensive Bright Spots
Despite the loss, the Pelicans’ offensive performance against one of the league’s top defenses was impressive. They achieved an offensive rating of 125.8, which would rank second in the league. This was achieved even with Brandon Ingram having an off night from beyond the arc. The team’s ability to adapt and find offensive rhythm, even with key players missing, is a testament to their potential.
The Pelicans are showing signs of putting things together, and with Williamson back, the team looks poised to make strides. The key will be maintaining this offensive momentum while addressing defensive lapses, particularly in guarding against dribble penetration and backdoor cuts.
For more insights and a deeper dive into Zion Williamson’s impact and the Pelicans’ strategies, tune into the Locked On Pelicans podcast for this and much more.
