Zion Dunk Officially Begins Suns-Pelicans Rivalry
There was merely four seconds remaining in the game, and the Phoenix Suns were buried for good in what was their third consecutive loss.
Things didn't go their way in Dallas, nor did it back at home against Boston.
Yet a two-game series on the road against the New Orleans Pelicans offered the opportunity to get back on track, especially after previously defeating them a bit earlier in the season.
In a perfect world, up by nine points with just seconds left, you dribble out the clock and let the buzzer sound. Especially if you're going to see the other side less than 48 hours in the same building.
Not Zion Williamson, who took the ball and ended up sending the home crowd into a frenzy with a 360-windmill dunk to cap off a win to keep New Orleans atop the Western Conference standings.
The Suns, of course, took great exception to Williamson breaking the "unwritten rule" of seeing out the clock when you're up by multiple possessions.
A scuffle ensued. Words were exchanged. And a rivalry was born.
“The game was pretty much over and they just kept playing. I felt like there was just no sportsmanship and we don’t really like that," said Suns guard Cam Payne. "We do the right thing. I felt like they should’ve done the right thing and they didn’t. We didn’t take it well and we don’t like to lose either. The game was over, no shot clock, they can hold the ball.”
Things were already intense prior to Williamson's dunk. That's the nature of what felt like a playoff environment between two of the top teams in the West.
“Yeah, there is tension there all the time. We hated that they beat us on our own floor. Every game we play against them is going to be physical and really locked in," said Jose Alvarado.
"It’s always going to be a playoff game for us. We are not going to let it go until we eliminate them in the playoffs or if we are in the playoffs and they are staying at home.”
Following the game, Williamson admitted the dunk was out of character for him.
“That is out of character for me. You have to understand, they sent my teammates home last year. I missed it all last year. I got a little carried away and I admit that," Williamson said.
"I was in the locker room when my brothers were down, because the Suns sent us home. That is a tough moment to be a part of. At that moment I got carried away and I admit that. It was out of character for me. If they were to do the same thing I wouldn't have any problem with it.”
Often times, rivalries seem either forced or driven by fans/media. Can we officially label this a rivalry now? Let's go through the boxes and check them:
Prior experience with each other? The Suns and Pelicans both remember that playoff series last season. Check.
Genuine disliking for each other? Major check.
Are both teams competitive or playing well? Check.
Are there stars/prominent names on both teams? Check.
Was there a specific event that officially sealed the rivalry's fate/hatred? Thanks, Zion. Check.
We'll see what Sunday has to offer, but there's no doubting all eyes will be on the matchup as another wrinkle has been added to the story.
May this be the first of many installments of a new and juicy Suns-Pelicans rivalry.
