-
Andrew LopezESPN
NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans Pelicans ahead Zion Williamson took two dribbles towards the rim and pulled off a 360 windmill dunk to finish Friday evening’s recreation towards the Phoenix Suns in fashion.
Some Suns gamers took exception to Williamson’s slam, which occurred with 1.9 seconds left to place the Pelicans up by double-digits. Because the clock expired in New Orleans’ 128-117 win, tempers flared as each benches cleared onto the courtroom.
Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado, Suns guards Cameron Payne and Chris Paul and training staffs from each groups met close to heart courtroom earlier than staff safety helped to separate each groups.
“The sport was just about over they usually simply saved taking part in,” Payne stated. “I felt like there was simply no sportsmanship and we do not actually like that. We do the appropriate factor. I felt like they need to’ve finished the appropriate factor they usually did not. We did not take it effectively and we do not wish to lose both. The sport was over, no shot clock. They will maintain the ball.”
Pelicans guard CJ McCollum, when requested about Payne’s postgame remarks, gave a easy reply.
“They gotta get again on protection if they do not need us to dunk the ball,” McCollum stated. “Get again on protection.”
Friday evening’s recreation was the second of the season between the Pelicans and Suns, who met within the first-round of the playoffs final season, with Phoenix successful in six video games.
Williamson wasn’t out there for that collection due to a damaged foot that worn out his total yr. He stated the playoff loss to the Suns performed an element in why he went up for that remaining dunk.
“That was just a little out of character for me,” Williamson stated. “However you have to perceive, I imply, you may perceive it or not. They despatched my teammates residence final yr.
“I missed all final yr. I acquired carried away just a little bit. I admit that. However you realize, I used to be in that locker room when my brothers have been down as a result of the Suns despatched us residence final yr. That is a troublesome second to be part of. So in that second, I acquired carried away. I admit that. … In the event that they have been to do the identical factor, I would not haven’t any drawback with it.”
There will not be a lot of a break between the groups both. The Pelicans host the Suns once more on Sunday afternoon.
Whereas it was the Pelicans and Suns second assembly of the season, it was the primary for Williamson, who missed the primary recreation on Oct. 28 with decrease again/proper hip soreness.
Pelicans ahead Larry Nance stated he did not assume Williamson’s dunk itself was what brought about the benches to clear, however extra of the feelings of the sport.
“I believe it was simply a type of issues. You bought a whole lot of excessive degree, excessive testosterone athletes on the market and guys which can be huge and powerful,” Nance stated. “I am glad it acquired separated earlier than something silly occurred.”
Williamson completed with a season-high 35 factors, seven rebounds and 4 assists for the Pelicans, who improved to 17-8, tied for the very best document in franchise historical past by means of 25 video games (2002-03 and 2003-04). It additionally put them a recreation up for the very best document within the Western Convention over Memphis and 1.5 up on Phoenix.
Whereas the Pelicans and Suns play once more in New Orleans on Sunday, they’re going to wrap up the regular-season collection on Dec. 17 when the groups meet as soon as once more in Phoenix.