WATCH: Zion Williamson makes thunderous block to help New Orleans narrowly escape with victory
Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans had to make a defensive stand against the Portland Trail Blazers late in the fourth quarter of their game on Friday night. Brandon Ingram’s 17-foot jumper gave the Pelicans a 105-103 lead with 4.2 seconds remaining in the game. New Orleans tried to deny Anfernee Simons the ball, but the point guard got it anyway.
Simons surveyed the defense and got a screen from Jerami Grant before driving straight into the teeth of the Pelicans defense. Herb Jones played stifling defense on the driving Simons, and the Blazers guard's shot was emphatically spiked by Williamson as time expired.
The defensive gem stunned the home crowd and allowed the Pelicans to walk away with the victory. Watch the play below.
Zion Williamson had three swats in the game, none bigger than the last one that sealed the win for the visitors.
The power forward had to step up after nearly costing his team the game. He had an offensive foul, a turnover and a missed layup in the final minute.
Brandon Ingram saved them on offense with two crucial shots, but Williamson was clutch on the defensive end.
The New Orleans Pelicans need Zion Williamson to step up on defense
The New Orleans Pelicans lost Cody Zeller, Jonas Valanciunas and Larry Nance Jr. in the offseason.
Taking over their spots are rookie Yves Missi, two-way player Trey Jemison and 6-foot-8 center Daniel Theis.
Because of their thin frontcourt composed of an undersized veteran and untested bigs, Willie Green has given Zion Williamson more defensive responsibilities.
Williamson responded on Friday with 16 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, three blocks and one steal. The Pelicans needed him to help clog the paint, protect the rim, block shots and crash the boards, and in his season debut, he proved that he was up to the task.
Williamson has received flak for his lack of attention and effort on the defensive end, but fans will be eager to see if he can sustain this level of performance throughout the season.