Blue Devil Country

Zion Is Back: Duke Basketball Product Picks Pockets, Takes Flight

Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram put on a show against two fellow Duke basketball one-and-done talents.
Matt Giles|
Former Duke basketball forwards Zion Williamson and Paolo Banchero (Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports)

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Duke Blue Devils

In one NBA preseason contest on Tuesday night, four of the 10 starters were former Duke basketball stars: Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Wendell Carter Jr., and reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero.

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Williamson, Ingram, and the New Orleans Pelicans prevailed on the road, 104-92, over Carter, Banchero, and the Orlando Magic. And the Pelicans' pair of NBA Blue Devils outproduced its Magic counterpart.

Out of the gates, Williamson was dominant and efficient. He tallied 10 points, four steals, two assists, and one rebound in the first quarter alone. He finished the game with 16 points on 6-for-8 shooting, adding five steals, three boards, three dimes, and two blocks across only 16 minutes on the floor.

Ingram had 18 points, six assists, and four rebounds in 24 minutes.

Meanwhile, Banchero played 20 minutes and mustered only five points, two rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block, shooting 2-for-9. Carter also played 20 minutes, recording four points, six boards, five assists, and one block, and he, too, struggled in the shooting department (1-for-7).

The game's top highlight came from the aggressively defending, high-flying Williamson, with a bit of give-and-go help from Ingram along the way, and it was at the expense of Banchero:

After sitting out the second half of last season while nursing a hamstring injury, Zion Williamson has looked explosive in the Pelicans' four preseason outings.

Furthermore, as evidenced in the video above (and below) and his latest box score, the former No. 1 overall draft pick is dialed in on defense:

It was the preseason finale for the Pelicans (1-3), while the Magic (2-1) will wrap up their slate at home against Flamengo (Brazil) on Friday night.

New Orleans' regular season tips off on the road when Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram face the Memphis Grizzlies and their sharpshooting Duke basketball product, Luke Kennard, next Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET. One hour earlier, Orlando begins its campaign at home against the Houston Rockets.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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