UPDATE: In a stunning return to the court, forward Zion Williamson propelled the New Orleans Pelicans to a critical victory over the Chicago Bulls with a score of 114-104 on December 3, 2023. Williamson scored 18 points, including a crucial seven points in the final four minutes, showcasing his impact immediately after coming back from injury.
Williamson, who has faced a series of injuries this season, most recently missed five games due to a right hip adductor strain. His return is particularly significant for the Pelicans, who now improve to 5-22 this season, still battling at the bottom of the standings. In just under 27 minutes on the court, Williamson entered the game off the bench just 4:35 into the first quarter, a strategic decision by interim coach James Borrego.
“It was a game plan that allowed me to close the game,” Williamson stated after the match. “I didn’t have a problem with it because it allowed me to close the game.” His return was capped with a spectacular dunk with just 37 seconds remaining, sealing the victory for the Pelicans.
Prior to this game, Williamson had averaged 22.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 30.9 minutes over ten games this season. His previous high was 29 points against the Bulls on November 24, marking a pivotal moment in a nine-game losing streak.
Coach Borrego praised Williamson’s determination to recover faster than anticipated. “He’s done a heck of a job to get to this point, if you want to call it ahead of schedule,” Borrego noted before the game.
Despite the Pelicans’ win, the Bulls have struggled, losing eight of their last nine games. They played without guard Ayo Dosunmu, who is sidelined with a sprained thumb, although Kevin Huerter returned from injury to contribute 16 points off the bench.
Seven Bulls players, including leading scorer Coby White with 20 points, were under minutes restrictions as part of their ongoing injury management. As both teams aim to turn their seasons around, the Pelicans look to build on this victory while the Bulls seek to regroup in the face of mounting challenges.
As the season progresses, fans will be watching closely to see if Williamson can maintain his health and continue to lead the Pelicans in their quest for improvement.
