Zion Williamson’s career was encapsulated by Tuesday’s play-in game: dominant scoring cut short by injury.
40 POINTS now for Zion in the #SoFiPlayIn! https://t.co/ZFtcV3tLt0 pic.twitter.com/wtGR2vzY65
— NBA (@NBA) April 17, 2024
Williamson scored his 40th point in the first postseason game of his young career. The bucket tied the Pelicans-Lakers game 95-95, but Williamson immediately headed to the locker room with an undisclosed injury.
Zion Williamson is heading to the locker room pic.twitter.com/TanEvaKm2v
— Ahn Fire Digital (@AhnFireDigital) April 17, 2024
He finished 17-for-27 from the field with 40 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
With Williamson out, the Pelicans offense bogged down, and the team missed his defense and rebounding, with Anthony Davis grabbing a crucial offensive rebound off a LeBron James miss with 15 seconds to go.
AD grabs his 15th board.
— NBA (@NBA) April 17, 2024
None bigger than this one.
He hits 2 FTs to put the Lakers up 4 in the #SoFiPlayIn!
14.8 left on TNT, NOP ball. pic.twitter.com/RgQO5iesg4
The Lakers held on for a 110-106 win. Next, they’ll face the Denver Nuggets, while the Pelicans will await the winner of Kings-Warriors and, most likely, an MRI of Zion Williamson’s leg.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!