What Zion Williamson Said After Beating The Kings, 11/22
Here's what Zion Williamson told reporters following the 117-112 victory over the Sacramento Kings. Williamson led the Pelicans with 25 points and six assists. The game marked the fourth time this season that Williamson scored 25-plus points.
Nov. 22, 2023; Zion Williamson's Postgame Interview, Kings Game; Credit: New Orleans Pelicans
ZION WILLIAMSON'S KEY QUOTES
On Finding Direction and Commitment: "We're gonna take a certain route. And win or lose, that's the route we're going with."— Zion Williamson
Key Player Helping the Pelicans Win: "Herb Has definitely be been a a big reason for that."— Zion Williamson
Jonas Valanciunas' Impact on Both Ends of the Court: "JV has done the past few games, especially, like, defensively, It's been amazing."— Zion Williamson
On Pelicans' Defense: 'You're watching your teammates pick up full court, and they're guarding great players. Like, De'Aaron Fox, if I don't, if he's not the leading scorer, he's top 3, That's not easy task, and he's fast. So to see those dudes check into the game and, like, lock in on that assignment, Stuff like that, it it gets you going on defense. It, like, make you wanna do more.'"— Zion Williamson
Nov 22, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) talks with forward Herbert Jones (5) against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
The Energy of the Game: "Like Jose out there, that GTA. Right? The crazy thing is I'm almost upset that there was a time out because when Najee got the steal and shot the floater, Jose Jose was already in his spot. He was about to get one, but I told him. I said, Jose, I saw you. If they didn't call that time out, you was about to get one. But now when Naji did it, it caught me off guard. It was just like, oh, Oh, oh, okay. Okay.'"— Zion Williamson
Team Chemistry: "I think that's definitely big for our team chemistry."— Zion Williamson
On Coach James Borrego: "He's always giving you a solution, but he's also given multiple options.'"— Zion Williamson
Coaches' Impact on Team Chemistry: "So like I said, for the coaches, PD coaches, assistant coaches, all to be over there and just assisting with team chemistry that that does a lot."— Zion Williamson
The Importance of Communication for the Pelicans: "That communication has been key for us. Like, when we're on the court, for us, it's just communicate communicating."— Zion Williamson
Nov 22, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) battles to position on an inbound pass against Sacramento Kings forward Trey Lyles (41) during the first half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
INSIDE THE GAME - KINGS vs. PELICANS
- Zion Williamson shot 62.5% from the field.
- With the win, New Orleans moves to 8-7 (.533) on the season and is 6-4 at the Smoothie King Center this season. The Pelicans finish their six-game home stand 4-2.
- Brandon Ingram scored 23 points, shooting 9-of-18 (.500) from the floor and a perfect 4-of-4 from the free throw line. Ingram added four rebounds, three assists and a steal. This marks the 10th game this season Ingram has scored 20-plus points this season.
- New Orleans outscored the Kings 62-28 in points in the paint and 15-4 in second chance points.
- New Orleans struggled from the three-point arc, shooting 7-of-30 (.233), while the Kings converted 15-of-44 (.341) from behind the arc.
- Herb Jones posted seven points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block. Tonight marks the fifth time Jones has three or more steals and the ninth time he has notched at least one steal and one block in a game this season.
- • Jonas Valančiūnas recorded his sixth double-double of the season, scoring 15 points and grabbing 11 boards.
New Orleans hits the road with a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at 9:30 PM CT on Friday, Nov. 24.
