By Eric Jay Santos
On Tuesday night, the New Orleans Pelicans picked up a 119-113 win over the Chicago Bulls. This served as Zion Williamson’s third match since suffering a hamstring injury in November.
Limited to only 24 minutes, Williamson totaled 21 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds on 71.4-percent shooting. During postgame availability, the two-time All-Star spoke about trusting his teammates instead of forcing shots under pressure.
“You see how the defense tries to guard you, and most times they will send a double-team and try to load the paint, and I trust my shooters,” Williamson said. “I was able to find them a lot tonight, and they knocked shots down.”
Trey Murphy III was another key contributor in New Orleans’ victory. Murphy registered a game-high 32 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals. The 24-year guard has scored 30-plus points in four of his last seven games.
On Chicago’s end of the floor, Zach LaVine put up 25 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. LaVine was limited to only two points in the first half, going 1-for-7 in field goal attempts, before finding his rhythm later on. Josh Giddey and Nikola Vucevic also headed the Bulls’ offense, combining for 44 points.
Following back-and-forth action throughout the opening three quarters, New Orleans gained a 112-96 lead with less than five minutes left of regulation. After solid defense and two turnovers from Williamson, the Bulls entered the final minute facing a four-point deficit.
With 14 seconds remaining and the Pelicans leading 117-113, Chicago’s comeback halted after a missed three-point attempt from Coby White. Murphy then put in the final dagger with two made free throws.
New Orleans now holds a 9-32 season record. They have gone 4-6 in their last ten games.
