Cooper Flagg’s stunning dunk over Pitt’s 7-footer Guillermo Diaz Graham on Tuesday night has drawn comparisons to Zion Williamson’s iconic 360-degree fastbreak dunk against Clemson in 2019, calling it possibly the most awe-inspiring slam in Cameron Indoor Stadium since that moment.
Meanwhile, Williamson, the former Blue Devil and now a 24-year-old star with the New Orleans Pelicans, showed flashes of his old self during his first game in two months. In a 104-97 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Zion made a strong return to action in the third quarter. Despite the loss, Williamson proved he still has his explosive leaping ability after a lengthy recovery from a left hamstring strain.
SHOWTIME ZION WILLIAMSON 🍿 pic.twitter.com/q6UhUrKi2n
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 8, 2025
Williamson finished with 22 points, six rebounds, four assists, three steals, and one block in just 28 minutes of play, shooting 9-for-15 from the field, 0-for-2 from three, and 4-for-9 from the free-throw line. Through his eight appearances this season, the 2019 No. 1 overall pick is averaging 22.6 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game.
In contrast, fellow Duke alum and Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram is still sidelined due to a left ankle sprain he sustained on Dec. 7. The Pelicans (7-30) will face the Portland Trail Blazers (12-23) next at home on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.
