Williamson’s 36 Points Lead Pelicans to 114-101 Victory vs. Pistons

Remarkably, Williamson joined the exclusive company of Dwyane Wade and Dwight Howard as the third player in the last 20 years to score 35 points without a 3-pointer and with fewer than 15 field goal attempts, showcasing his efficiency and scoring prowess.

“I know my teammates and my coaches trust me,” Williamson said, reflecting on his mindset following a modest four-point game against Miami. “I wasn’t tripping over that game. Coming into this game, I just wanted to get the win and that’s what we did.”

CJ McCollum contributed 23 points to the Pelicans’ effort, which saw them secure their fifth win in six games, improving their record to 44-27.

The Pistons, on the other hand, were significantly challenged by the absence of four starters and a key sixth man due to injuries and illness. Despite the setbacks, Chimezu Metu and Malachi Flynn each scored 17 points, with Jaden Ivey and Buddy Boeheim adding 16 and a career-high 13 points, respectively.

“Our guys believed they could play with the Pelicans,” Pistons coach Monty Williams said, praising his team’s competitive spirit. “They went out there and gave us a chance to compete. Zion’s just a load when he’s playing downhill.”

The game was essentially decided in the first quarter when the Pistons managed only 10 points, the lowest in a season, as they struggled to find their shooting touch. The Pelicans capitalized on turnovers and established a commanding lead they would not relinquish.

As the Pelicans look forward to hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Pistons prepare to visit the New York Knicks, both teams aim to build on their performances in this matchup, with New Orleans eyeing playoff positioning and Detroit looking to avoid setting a new franchise record for losses.