Danny Avdia's landing in Israel after a record season with the Washington Wizards/photo: Niv Aharonson. Video editing: Shiran Golan
After scoring 40 points, pulling down 11 rebounds, handing out 5 assists and recording a bunch of highlights against LeBron James, Zion Williamson received the final stamp: he is a superstar.
"He's going to be a big star for a very long time," James praised him at the end of the Lakers' 106-110 victory over New Orleans, which was achieved in large part thanks to an injury to Williamson with three minutes left in the game. "He started the season less well, but there is no doubt that this is a once-in-a-generation talent. He will continue to improve, and today we got a small glimpse of how great he can be. His ability to penetrate to the ring against guards or big men and finish easily no matter who is in front of him - it is impressive the most - and on top of that, he's not afraid to compete, which is a great thing. He's a star."
It was Zaion's first career postseason appearance, and he looked great in it. Unfortunately for him, a left leg injury with three minutes left on the clock, just after blocking LeBron James on a big move, interrupted New Orleans' momentum. Zion went down to receive treatment with the scoreboard showing equality, and by the end the Lakers managed to open a small gap and win.
This did not change the strong impression that Williamson left on the senior commentators as well. "This is the first time I watched him play and I said to myself, 'This guy might become a superstar.' A real star", he got what he wanted. "I was very impressed with him. We saw what he was capable of," added Shaq.
But there are also the question marks that do not let go of Zion, concerning his fitness and health. The injury tonight, in the midst of the biggest game of his NBA career, emphasized not only the enormous potential that is embodied in him, but also the missed.
Williamson often gets injured, fails to stay healthy for a long time (although this season made great progress in this regard), and after the injury tonight, the question marks also float. One way or another, according to initial reports, Williamson is suffering from a strain in the hamstring muscle, so it is very doubtful whether he will be available to the Pelicans in the game against Sacramento for promotion to the playoffs from eighth place.