In his much-anticipated return after a 27-game absence, Zion Williamson brought excitement with powerful dunks but could not shift the tide as the New Orleans Pelicans faced a 104-97 defeat against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The game, held at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on January 6, 2024, marked Williamson’s first appearance since January 17, 2023, due to a right hamstring injury. The 23-year-old forward scored 20 points, showcased his agility with alley-oops, and even made a tough reverse layup. Despite Williamson’s impressive performance, the Pelicans struggled to maintain leads throughout the matchup. Anthony Edwards of the Timberwolves led his team with 32 points, proving crucial in securing the victory for Minnesota. Pelicans head coach Willie Green expressed optimism about Williamson’s return, stating, ‘It was great to have Zion back on the floor. His presence alone changes everything for our team.’ Although Williamson’s return did not lead to a win, it reignited hope among Pelicans fans for what he can bring moving forward as he continues to recover and work on his fitness. The loss places the Pelicans in a challenging position as they look to improve their season record, now standing at 20-22. The Timberwolves improved to 23-19, showcasing their stride as they aim for a playoff spot.
Zion Williamson Makes Return to Pelicans but Team Falls Short Against Timberwolves
