Zion Williamson Is Thriving in a New Role - and So Are the Pelicans
Don’t look now, but the New Orleans Pelicans are heating up - and at the center of it all is a revitalized Zion Williamson, embracing a new role and reminding everyone why he was once the most hyped prospect in a generation.
The Pelicans, who had just eight wins not long ago, have now rattled off five straight victories. And while it’s been a collective effort, there’s no mistaking who’s been driving the surge: Zion, coming off the bench and coming alive.
Zion’s Efficiency Is Off the Charts
In Monday night’s 119-113 win over the Dallas Mavericks, Williamson was a force. He poured in 24 points on an ultra-efficient 10-of-14 shooting (that’s a scorching 71.4%), added nine rebounds, and dished out three assists - including a highlight-reel lob that had the Smoothie King Center rocking.
He didn’t even need 30 minutes to do it. In just 25 minutes of action, Zion gave the Pelicans a burst of physicality, finesse, and control that’s been sorely missed when he’s been sidelined.
And let’s not overlook the free throws: 4-for-4 from the line. For a player whose free-throw shooting has been inconsistent in the past, that’s a quiet but meaningful sign of confidence.
A New Role, A New Zion
Since returning from a hip injury in mid-December, Zion’s been coming off the bench - a move by interim head coach James Borrego that raised some eyebrows at first. But so far? It’s working.
Zion’s first game back on December 14 saw him tally 18 points and six boards in 27 minutes against Chicago. He followed that with a quiet outing against Houston, but then exploded for 29 points in a statement win over the Indiana Pacers on Saturday - tying his season high.
In his last two games, he’s averaged 26.5 points while shooting a ridiculous 67.9% from the field. That’s not just good - that’s dominant.
That’s the kind of efficiency you usually only see from bigs who live at the rim. But Zion’s doing it with a mix of bully-ball drives, soft touch finishes, and savvy reads.
The Pelicans Are Feeding Off His Energy
Zion entered Monday’s game averaging 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on the season. Solid numbers, but they only tell part of the story.
What’s really shifted is the energy. The Pelicans look different.
They’re playing faster, looser, and with more purpose - and a big part of that is Williamson’s ability to anchor the second unit and punish mismatches.
He’s not just scoring - he’s making the team better when he’s on the floor. And for a franchise that’s been waiting for this version of Zion to consistently show up, this stretch has been a breath of fresh air.
Still Work to Do, But Momentum Is Building
Let’s be clear - the Pelicans aren’t suddenly title contenders. There’s still a long road ahead.
But in a season that’s had its share of ups and downs, this five-game win streak feels different. It feels sustainable.
And it’s largely because Zion Williamson is not just healthy - he’s engaged, efficient, and embracing a role that’s unlocking a new level of impact.
For New Orleans fans, this version of Zion is the one they’ve been waiting for. If he can keep this up, the Pelicans might just be one of the most intriguing teams to watch as the season unfolds.