Zion Williamson Takes Responsibility Of Semifinal Loss To Lakers

In the NBA In-Season Tournament semifinals on Thursday night, the New Orleans Pelicans were defeated 133-89 by their interconference rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, and Zion Williamson took personal responsibility for the result.

During Williamson’s 26 minutes on the court, New Orleans was -33.

Zion Williamson Takes Responsibility For Semifinal Loss To Lakers

“I got to be better,” he said. “I got to be more aggressive, finding my shot. I got to do more things to get my team going. I think I was too laid-back tonight, and I just can’t do that. And defensively I got to be better.”

"Who was the most energized player on that floor? The oldest player on that floor! [LeBron James] was more energized than a 23-year old Zion Williamson. It mattered more to him… He puts on a show… Don't take the greatness for granted."

– JJ Redickpic.twitter.com/D9ZSzj3Hq0

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 8, 2023

LeBron James scored 30 points, dished out five assists, and pulled down eight rebounds in only 23 minutes as the Lakers, loaded with veterans, easily defeated the Pelicans. James was also out of the game for the entire fourth quarter.

Additionally, in his 26 minutes on the field, the 23-year-old was limited to just 13 points on 6-of-8 shooting, two rebounds, three assists, and three turnovers. In that span, the Pelicans were outscored by 33 points.

What happened to this Zion Williamson pic.twitter.com/n0Sdi5wzwS

— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) December 8, 2023

“I have a problem where I literally just try to hunt the best shot possible every time, but my teammates, they expect more from me,” the former No. 1 overall pick continued. “I expect more from myself. I have to just trust my game. I just got to be more aggressive. I think if I’m more aggressive that energy will definitely carry over.”

“They know what it takes to be on the big stage and have big moments,” Green said. “For some of our guys, this is their first time since college being in elimination games. So we’ll take the experience, we’ll watch film on it, we’ll grow, and we’ll learn. For Z in particular, it’s a moment that we can learn from. The level went up tonight, and like I said, we didn’t match their intensity.”

https://twitter.com/NbaExpress1/status/1733078672620614098

Williamson, who was selected first overall in the 2019 NBA draft and has not yet seen the postseason, lost for the second time in a row in the elimination round of the league’s first event.

Jonas gets doubled. Zion Williamson has the entire lane to himself, all he would have to do is sprint to the open spot or just simply seal Reddish for an easy lay up.

He just stands in the corner.

These are just simple easy plays that take a little bit of effort. pic.twitter.com/vJAIragd3p

— Pro Pels Talk (@ProPelsTalk) December 8, 2023

He scored 10 points in a 127-117 victory over the Kings on 5-of-8 shooting.