Duke University basketball fans are well aware that Zion Williamson can be a legitimate defensive threat. After all, the 6-foot-6 bruiser averaged 2.1 steals and 1.8 blocks in his only season as a Blue Devil before hearing his name taken No. 1 overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.
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However, as a pro, Williamson's strength on that end of the floor is still something New Orleans Pelicans fans don't expect, with career averages of just 1.0 steals and 0.6 blocks. But not so much these days.
On Friday night, the 23-year-old had 26 points, three rebounds and three assists, along with one block and a career-high six steals, leading to a 114-109 road win over the Pelicans (49-32). It became a powerful force. Golden State Warriors.
With this, New Orleans has won four straight after four consecutive losses, and the team is within one win of clinching a ticket to the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 2021-22 season, and the first time they have qualified for the NBA playoffs without participating in the play-in. Ta. First tournament since 2017-18.
And Zion Williamson, a two-time All-Star thanks to his ability as a routinely unstoppable bucket getter near the rim, marked the fifth straight game in which he recorded at least one block and one steal. Ta. This is his longest streak this season.
“Point Zion” has averaged 2.6 steals and 1.8 blocks over the last five games, giving the Pelicans a glimpse of the consistency he frequently displayed as an offensive ball thief and high-flying shot blocker at Duke. can.
New Orleans, currently sitting alone in sixth place in the Western Conference standings, is preparing for the team's final regular season game at home against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET. Again, if the Pelicans win, they will be without another Duke basketball player and centerpiece, Brandon Ingram (left knee injury), but they could have him back on the team against the Lakers. As a result, they will definitely advance to the playoffs.
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