Zion Williamson will try to ride the momentum of a season-high scoring performance into the New Orleans Pelicans’ opener of a three-game road trip against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.
Williamson answered a lackluster 13-point performance in the semifinal of the NBA in-season tournament with a dominant one in New Orleans’ 121-107 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday. He made 13 of 17 shots from the floor and 10 of 12 from the foul line versus the Timberwolves.
His most recent performance came on the heels of being scrutinized for his perceived poor conditioning in the 133-89 setback to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Williamson’s 36 points were his most since recording 43 against Minnesota on Dec. 28, 2022.
Williamson’s teammates also contributed on the offensive end Monday. CJ McCollum drained four 3-pointers to highlight his 23-point performance. Brandon Ingram had 20 points and Jonas Valanciunas collected 14 points and 13 rebounds for the Pelicans, who shot a robust 48.8 percent from the floor.
The Pelicans have struggled on the road by losing four of their last five away from the Crescent City.
The Wizards, in turn, struggled regardless of venue. They have lost five in a row overall and 19 of 22 on the season.
Washington followed up a 27-point setback against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday with a 45-point loss versus the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday.
Kuzma, who recorded 21 points and nine rebounds on Monday, tried to keep it all in perspective.
The Pelicans and Wizards won on each other’s home court to split last season’s series.
McCollum scored 34 points and Valanciunas added 27 points and 12 rebounds in New Orleans’ 132-112 win on Jan. 9. Daniel Gafford recorded 21 points and 12 boards in Washington’s 113-103 victory on Jan. 28.
