Zion Williamson’s Return Makes the Difference: “Incredible Work”

Zion Williamson’s return coincided with an important win for New Orleans. At the United Center, the Pelicans defeated the Bulls 114-104, finding their franchise player as the decisive factor down the stretch, despite the highly unconventional decision to bring him off the bench.

Limited by injuries for most of the season, Williamson finished with 18 points in under 27 minutes, scoring 7 of those in the final four minutes to deliver the decisive run that broke the deadlock and sealed the game.

Zion Williamson Returns After Yet Another Absence

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 Draft was returning after missing five games with an adductor strain, the latest in a long list of physical issues. Four different injuries have limited the two-time All-Star to just 11 appearances this season, in what has been an extremely difficult year for New Orleans, currently at the bottom of the Western Conference with a 5-22 record.

The coaching staff’s decision was clear: no spot in the starting lineup, but a gradual reintegration designed to protect his body and ensure his availability in crunch time.

A Different, but Effective, Approach

Williamson checked in with 4:35 remaining in the first quarter, following a plan developed together with interim head coach James Borrego – a strategy the player fully embraced.

It was a plan that allowed me to close the game while respecting the minutes my body is used to handling. He explained everything to me before the game, and I had no issue with it. The rhythm felt good, and most importantly, I’m happy with the win.

Zion Williamson

Capping off the night was a powerful dunk with 37 seconds left, a snapshot of his immediate impact and his central role in close-game situations.

“The Work on His Body Is Paying Off”

Borrego also highlighted Williamson’s commitment in working his way back from the latest setback:

He did an incredible job to get himself back out there – even ahead of schedule.

James Borrego

Williamson himself stressed how his offseason preparation has helped speed up his recovery process:

Injuries suck – there’s no other way to put it. Rehab isn’t fun either. But the work I’ve put into my body allows me, when something happens, not to be out for too long and to recover more efficiently.

Zion Williamson

No bold statements, no promises. Just managed minutes, a decisive finish, and a win in the books. That may be the right way to see Zion again: fewer expectations, more continuity. For the Pelicans, for now, that’s already enough.