<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/pelicans-news-willie-green-demand-injuries-immediately-pile-up-zion-williamson');   ga('set', 'title', 'Pelicans’ Willie Green making same ‘consistent’ demands as Zion Williamson injuries pile up');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Pelicans-news-Willie-Green-making-these-consistent-demands-as-injuries-pile-up.jpg"></figure><h1>Pelicans’ Willie Green making same ‘consistent’ demands as Zion Williamson injuries pile up</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-27T13:41:50-07:00">October 27th, 1:41pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-27T13:41:50-07:00">October 27th, 1:41pm</time><address><a>Chris Dodson</a>Chris Dodson is a Memphis Grizzlies beat reporter for ClutchPoints who has also covered the New Orleans Pelicans. He has covered Louisiana high school and college basketball in spurts for over a decade. A basketball lifer from the bayou, his gumbo-stirring form matches his elbow jumper celebrations. Fast enough for varsity hoops, tall enough for a soccer scholarship. He has words and will travel, just not on the court.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Just one game into the 2025-26 season, Willie Green found himself addressing a painfully familiar narrative with resigned acceptance. The embattled New Orleans Pelicans coach, standing before reporters <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/how-zion-williamson-wants-impact-felt-defense-willie-green">after Zion Williamson’s squad</a> was <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/pelicans-zion-williamson-issues-playful-warning-ja-morant-after-grizzlies-loss">taunted by Ja Morant’s Memphis Grizzlies</a>, delivered the same message repeated throughout his tenure. It was expected since Kevon Looney, Karlo Matkovic, and Dejounte Murray were all on the injury report. Yves Missi (ankle) suffered an NBA Opening Night knock, adding more bad news to the Big Easy’s basketball gumbo.</p><p>“Unfortunately, it’s part of the game,” Green sighed. “Sometimes you deal with that as a team. The biggest thing you can do is be consistent as a leader.”</p><p>Green was speaking of himself, yet it also applies to the team’s All-Star. Williamson (27 points, 9.5 rebounds, six assists, four steals) has been that, but sticking up for Jeremiah Fears will only go so far in the standings. These Pelicans need victories soon, especially after losing a very winnable home opener. Unfortunately, Williamson (left bone contusion) is now listed as questionable for the third game of the season (vs. Boston Celtics).</p><p>Green is sitting at 0-2 after that heartbreaking 120-116 overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the Smoothie King Center. It’s a disappointing beginning for a team that desperately needs to rebound from last year’s catastrophic 21-61 campaign. Fans are finding it hard to stomach another season of the status quo which led to the second-worst record in franchise history. Giving Green credit for posting 49 wins just two seasons ago also comes with some significant qualifiers.</p><h2><b>Willie Green giving same answers</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Willie-Green-yells-at-Pelicans.jpg"><figcaption>Stephen Lew-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>This post-loss reply consistency has become both Green’s defining characteristic and a point of contention for a franchise that has struggled to convert potential into sustained success. There are a few reasons the refrain has hardened into a habit though. New Orleans still needs Zion Williamson to be a steadying hand, for one. Another? Recurring third-quarter breakdowns are constantly addressed. Unfortunately, this leads to public frustrations and demands for more than rote reassurances over 82 games.</p><p>The opener against Morant’s Grizzlies exposed a glaring weakness that has plagued Green’s Pelicans for years. There is an alarming tendency to collapse in the third quarter. After building a 67-56 halftime lead, New Orleans was outscored by 19 points (41-22) over the next 12 minutes. The FedEx Forum crowd was all amped up for a crucial fourth. It was all but inevitable that a shorthanded New Orleans would not overcome the deficit.</p><p>“You do have to be able to try and make some adjustments along the way,” Green said. “That’s just another part of it. The game, you know, sometimes it does not go exactly the way you want it to. When that happens, it’s always about trying to communicate with your staff and players about the changes you might have to make.”</p><p>And that’s why the seat is warming up, in case Green is wondering.</p><p>The most troubling aspect of this particular third-quarter collapse was the disappearing act of Jordan Poole in the offense after a strong start. Despite scoring 15 points in the first half, Poole went 0-for-4 in the third quarter and attempted just one shot in the fourth quarter. For a player acquired specifically for his offensive creation and clutch shooting, this lack of involvement in critical moments raises questions about Green’s in-game offensive system and adjustment capabilities.</p><p>Explain the purpose behind Poole’s shot diet in that third quarter. While injuries explain much of the Pelicans’ recent struggles, a deeper examination reveals troubling patterns that have persisted throughout Green’s four-year tenure. These are patterns that “consistency” hasn’t been able to solve. Still, Joe Dumars with a mandate to search for stability rather than attempt any bold reinventions. It’s why Willie Green and Zion Williamson are still calling New Orleans home.</p><h2><b>Pelicans painting bleak picture</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Willie-Green-Pelicans.jpg"><figcaption>Petre Thomas-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The numbers paint a grim picture of Green’s teams in late-game situations. Not having Williamson for long stretches hurts, sure. Going 0-24 when trailing after three quarters and still finishing with 49 wins is an accomplishment. It also suggests there was a lot of untapped potential. Becoming the first team in NBA history to post a winning record while never recording a come-from-behind victory is a different kind of special.</p><p>In the 2023-24 season, the Pelicans were <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/teams/clutch-traditional?Season=2023-24&amp;dir=D&amp;sort=PTS" rel="noopener">second-to-last in the league</a> in free-throw percentage (69.6%) in the clutch, 24th in turnovers, and 28th in points scored. These aren’t aberrations; they’re systematic failures that have defined the Green era. Williamson missed the go-ahead free-throw against Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs, so that voodoo is creeping into this season already. Again, untapped potential is showing up as defeats.</p><p>That conservative posture explains why Green’s default answer to injury disruptions is a call for consistency. A coach overseeing a rebuilding or retooling roster often chooses continuity over sweeping tactical experiments. Constant schematic churn risks confusing a young group and accelerating losing streaks. As Green said, “The biggest thing you can do is be consistent as a leader.”</p><p>The subtext: stability is the priority, even when results aren’t immediate. That’s a defensible position, even if it frustrates fans who want urgent change. Those fans are getting louder every game. Amid Green’s unwavering calls for consistency are the critics arguing that an adherence to these principles has bordered on stubbornness.</p><p>Green’s offensive system relies too much on isolation scoring, leading to stagnant possessions and low-percentage shots, especially during crunch time. His reluctance to play young players has also been frustrating. He continuously started center Daniel Theis, a career backup, before giving opportunities to youngsters like Yves Missi and Karlo Matkovic. Even when the team was clearly out of playoff contention last season, the Pelicans hesitated to experiment with rookies.</p><p>Rotations have been confusing, with this year being no different. Jose Alvarado’s three meager minutes against the Spurs seem like a nod to the fans and nothing more. When the team is already low on wins and credibility, the immediate priority for a coach is damage control. Sadly, those specific, repeatable collapses make Green’s “we’ll adjust” language feel insufficient.</p><p>Those fans can rest assured; Green is now operating with a shorter leash. He is under pressure to deliver concrete, immediate countermeasures rather than the promise of incremental changes. In the end, Willie Green’s answers are both a reflection of circumstance and a strategic choice.  How long that “part of the game” is tolerated depends on whether the adjustments the Pelicans promised fans this offseason are kept.</p><p>Stopping those third-quarter runs and turning the small-talk cliches into concrete, game-winning change must be the priority. If not, Green’s season could fall apart before Thanksgiving Dinner is in the oven.</p><h2><b>Zion Williamson’s star waning</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Zion-Williamson-Pelicans.jpg"><figcaption>Stephen Lew-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>Against the Spurs, Zion Williamson had 27 points and 10 rebounds, showing flashes of dominance. But when it mattered most, the Pelicans couldn’t execute. Green’s emphasis on consistency as a leadership virtue is admirable in theory. In an NBA season spanning 82 games with inevitable peaks and valleys, a steady hand at the helm provides players with stability and clear expectations.</p><p>But leadership also requires adaptation. The best coaches in the league find ways to scheme their way out of deficits and adjust when their initial game plans falter. They don’t simply preach consistency; they demonstrate tactical flexibility. Somehow, after four years, the complexity and flexibility of Green’s tactics are all up for debate. Some are still seemingly undefined.</p><p>To be fair, Green had steadily improved the Pelicans before last season’s injury apocalypse. He inherited a 31-win team and posted 36 wins in his debut season, then 42 wins, then 49—each campaign representing tangible progress. His strong rapport with players has never been questioned, and Green’s ability to foster a positive locker-room culture stands as one of his greatest strengths.</p><p>The Pelicans hoped their offseason roster moves would pay off, adding Jordan Poole and welcoming back a healthy Zion Williamson. Williamson appears to be in the best shape he’s been in since he was drafted in 2019, and Murphy and Herbert Jones are both fully healthy entering the season. Dejounte Murray is expected to return from his torn Achilles sometime after the calendar turns to 2026.</p><p>New Orleans is ready to support a winner and this core has the potential to approach the 49-33 record of two years ago. Well, it could if the same old problems were not already emerging. For now, the Pelicans continue to hear the same message from their head coach, the same emphasis on staying consistent through adversity.</p><p>Six of the next eight games are on the road, including trips to Denver, Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, and San Antonio. It’s hard for a locker room to have championship-level confidence if they cannot trust a 20-point lead consistently. Whether they can do so with Green at the helm remains one of the franchise’s most pressing questions.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Pelicans’ Willie Green making same ‘consistent’ demands as Zion Williamson injuries pile up

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/pelicans-news-zion-williamson-questionable-for-mondays-game-vs-boston');   ga('set', 'title', 'Pelicans’ Zion Williamson questionable for Monday’s game vs Boston');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Zion-Williamson-on-Oct.-24-2025.jpg"><figcaption>Stephen Lew-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Pelicans’ Zion Williamson questionable for Monday’s game vs Boston</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-27T11:32:19-07:00">October 27th, 11:32am</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-27T11:32:19-07:00">October 27th, 11:32am</time><address><a>Zachary Weinberger</a>Zachary Weinberger joined ClutchPoints in October 2023 as a Miami Heat reporter as well as an Associate Editor. He graduated from Florida Atlantic University in 2022 after covering the school's athletic programs since his freshman year at the FAU University Press, where he was a Sports Editor and Editor-in-Chief. He then covered FAU Sports for The Palm Beach Post.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>As <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/how-zion-williamson-wants-impact-felt-defense-willie-green">New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson continues to try to make an impact</a>, his status is now up in the air for Monday night’s contest against the Boston Celtics. Despite the loss, the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/pelicans-news-zion-williamson-posterizes-victor-wembanyama-one-handed-jam">Pelicans’ forward in Williamson posterized Victor Wembanyama</a> last Friday in the 120-116 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, showing off his explosiveness, though that may have to be paused for now.</p><p>According to ClutchPoints’ NBA insider Brett Siegel, Williamson is questionable to play against the Celtics as he is <a href="https://x.com/BrettSiegelNBA/status/1982869561058963804" rel="noopener">“dealing with a left foot bone contusion.”</a> This issue is also a new injury for Williamson, who scored 27 points to go along with 10 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.</p><p>“Zion Williamson is dealing with a left foot bone contusion and is currently listed as questionable to play tonight for the Pelicans against the Celtics,” Siegel wrote on X, formerly Twitter. “This is a new injury for Williamson.”</p><h2><b>A few Pelicans players who will step up if Zion Williamson is absent </b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Zion-Williamson-media-day.jpg"><figcaption>Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>If Williamson is unable to go, there’s no doubt that <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/pelicans-news-jordan-poole-throws-shade-wizards-fans-not-being-fired-up-enough-for-a-tanking-team">Pelicans guard Jordan Poole would get more offensive opportunity</a>, but two other players that are likely to step up, especially off the bench, are the rookie duo of Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. Through two games, each has brought a spark to New Orleans’ second unit, <a href="https://www.nba.com/pelicans/news/pelicans-practice-report-lottery-picks-making-instant-impact" rel="noopener">garnering praise from head coach Willie Green,</a> via the team’s website.</p><p>“They are extremely savvy,” Green said as Queen and Fears had 15 and 13 points, respectively, against the Spurs. “It’s a credit to our whole staff, and those two guys. They’re in the gym working, watching film. They have this more mature poise on the floor that you don’t always see with young players. We’re getting more and more confident, trusting their ability to step on the floor and help us win.”</p><p>At any rate, it remains to be seen if Williamson will be good to go for Monday night against the Celtics, as the Pelicans still look for their first win of the season.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Pelicans’ Zion Williamson questionable for Monday’s game vs Boston

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/how-zion-williamson-wants-impact-felt-defense-willie-green');   ga('set', 'title', 'How Pelicans want Zion Williamson’s ‘impact to be felt’ on defense');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Pelicans-news-How-Zion-Williamson-wants-impact-to-be-felt-on-defense.jpg"></figure><h1>How Pelicans want Zion Williamson’s ‘impact to be felt’ on defense</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-25T17:26:03-07:00">October 25th, 5:26pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-25T17:26:03-07:00">October 25th, 5:26pm</time><address><a>Chris Dodson</a>Chris Dodson is a Memphis Grizzlies beat reporter for ClutchPoints who has also covered the New Orleans Pelicans. He has covered Louisiana high school and college basketball in spurts for over a decade. A basketball lifer from the bayou, his gumbo-stirring form matches his elbow jumper celebrations. Fast enough for varsity hoops, tall enough for a soccer scholarship. He has words and will travel, just not on the court.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>The opening moments of an NBA game can often reveal a team’s intentions. For the <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/how-jeremiah-fears-family-pelicans-rookie-onboarding-process">family-focused New Orleans Pelicans</a>, their starting defensive strategy in the season opener sent a clear message:<a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/pelicans-zion-williamson-laughing-hysterically-before-grizzlies-game"> Zion Williamson is being asked to lead</a> on both ends of the court. On the second play of the game, the All-Star forward <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-news-ja-morant-jumper-zion-williamson">blitzed to double-team Ja Morant</a>, switching onto the point guard to contest an off-balance jumper.</p><p>Morant sank a tough 20-foot shot with seconds remaining on the clock. However, rather than viewing it as a defensive failure, the Pelicans are pointing to it as a blueprint. For Williamson, the outcome of that single play is less important than the process and the statement it makes. These moments weren’t flukes. No, they were signals of a deliberate evolution where defensive presence becomes as unignorable as those <a href="https://x.com/TheHoopCentral/status/1981904610865680686">rim-rattling dunks.</a></p><p>“I definitely want my impact to be felt on defense this year,” Williamson told ClutchPoints. “Granted, (Ja Morant) hit the shot. Still, if I can always influence the offensive player to take off-balance shots like that, if they hit them, I think when we look at the film and live with it. But I definitely want my defensive impact to be felt this year.”</p><p>This mindset is exactly what Willie Green’s coaching staff is encouraging. Mere requests for Williamson to be adequate on defense are no longer tolerated; Joe Dumars is requiring greatness. Those early possessions against Memphis were a signal of both schematic adjustment and personal growth for what should be one of the NBA’s most dynamic weapons.</p><p>“It’s growth on (Williamson’s) part, just taking another step in the right direction as a leader,” Green noted. “Taking the responsibility on the defensive end, challenging himself. There is so much room for not only Zion but our team to continue to grow. I thought he stepped on the floor with intention. He played aggressively. He is dynamic when he has the conditioning that he has right now. That’s all a credit to his work.”</p><p>Green’s comments highlight the crucial link between Williamson’s improved physical conditioning and his potential defensive upside. A more mobile and agile Zion can be asked to blitz, switch, and contain in ways that were previously unimaginable, making the Pelicans far less predictable defensively.</p><h2><b>Pelicans playing with fire</b></h2><p>Of course, playing with such aggressive intention can lead to foul trouble and injury concerns. Staying in the official’s good graces was a challenge against the Grizzlies. Memphis got to the line 43 times. The Pelicans also felt that Williamson’s defensive work wasn’t always rewarded by the officials, with several potential fouls going uncalled.</p><p>Green’s message on that front was simple and focused on the controllable.</p><p>“Keep playing. Keep playing through the whistle,” he said. “I thought (Williamson) got hit a couple of times, but we cannot foul as much as we did. We have to be better at guarding without fouling.”</p><p>For the Pelicans to take the next step as a playoff contender, they’ll need this new Williamson for 75+ games. Zion is capable of guarding multiple positions; it’s more about desire. If Williamson can consistently make life difficult for opponents at all times, the Pelicans will have the kind of elite two-way player every championship contender needs.</p><p>The early returns are promising. Zion Williamson’s willingness to accept the challenge, combined with Green’s faith in his conditioning and growth, suggests this defensive evolution is more than just talk. It’s a deliberate transformation that could define the next chapter of his career.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

How Pelicans want Zion Williamson’s ‘impact to be felt’ on defense

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/pelicans-news-zion-williamson-posterizes-victor-wembanyama-one-handed-jam');   ga('set', 'title', 'Pelicans’ Zion Williamson posterizes Victor Wembanyama with one-handed jam');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Zion-Williamson-1.jpg"><figcaption>Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Pelicans’ Zion Williamson posterizes Victor Wembanyama with one-handed jam</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-24T20:06:22-07:00">October 24th, 8:06pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-24T20:06:22-07:00">October 24th, 8:06pm</time><address><a>Richard Pereira</a>Richard Pereira joined ClutchPoints in January 2025 as an Associate Editor. He earned his degree from Florida Atlantic University in 2023 and has been covering the school's athletic programs since 2020, having served as a Sports Editor at the FAU University Press. He was granted the unique opportunity to report on the men's basketball team's journey to the Final Four in Houston for FAU Owls Nest during March Madness, consistently striving to grow as a sports journalist.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">NBA</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>Zion Williamson had an insane dunk on Victor Wembanyama during the New Orleans <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/pelicans-zion-williamson-laughing-hysterically-before-grizzlies-game">Pelicans’ matchup against the San Antonio Spurs</a> on Friday night.</p><p>Williamson has begun his seventh year in the NBA, looking to be at his most healthy since the 2023-24 campaign. He’s dealt with weight and injury issues throughout his young career, arguably making this season the most important one for him.</p><p>Williamson had a solid season opener, getting 27 points and nine rebounds against the Memphis Grizzlies. He continued that momentum going into this matchup against Wembanyama and the Spurs. The big play happened in the first 20 seconds of the game, as Williamson drove his way into the paint and <a href="https://x.com/NBA/status/1981879633491689742" rel="noopener">dunked over the towering big man</a> in style.</p><figure class="op-interactive"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">OH MY GOODNESS ZION WILLIAMSON 🤯</p><p>Watch on NBA League Pass: <a href="https://t.co/Xr82IwVwHN">https://t.co/Xr82IwVwHN</a> <a href="https://t.co/To5yDVoayo">pic.twitter.com/To5yDVoayo</a></p><p>— NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1981879633491689742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 25, 2025</a></p></blockquote><p><script async="" src="https://instagram.com/embed.js"></script></p></figure><h2><b>How Zion Williamson, Pelicans played against Spurs</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Victor-Wembanyama-1.jpg"><figcaption>Stephen Lew-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>This campaign will be a prove-it year for Zion Williamson, showing the need for him to have the best season of his career. Despite his efforts in this game, it wasn’t enough as the Pelicans lost 120-116 to Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs in overtime.</p><p>Both teams exchanged blows over the course of the game. Neither refused to create any big distance from one another until San Antonio finally pulled away in the overtime period. They outscored the hosts 13-9 in the last five minutes of play, securing the road win in the process.</p><p>Rebounding and 3-point shooting made the difference in this matchup. The Spurs won in both categories, grabbing 59 rebounds while knocking down 13 3-pointers. It wasn’t the same for the Pelicans, getting 45 rebounds while converting just 10 triples.</p><p>Five players scored in double-digits on New Orleans’ behalf, including Williamson. He finished with a stat line of 27 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. He shot 8-of-18 from the field and 11-of-16 from the free-throw line. Trey Murphy III came next with 24 points and 10 rebounds, Jordan Poole had 21 points and five assists, Derik Queen put up 15 points and six rebounds, while Jeremiah Fears provided 13 points and four rebounds.</p><p>The Pelicans will look to bounce back in their next matchup, being at home. They host the Boston Celtics on Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. ET.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

Pelicans’ Zion Williamson posterizes Victor Wembanyama with one-handed jam

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en">    <head>        <script>   (function(i, s, o, g, r, a, m) {     i["GoogleAnalyticsObject"] = r;     i[r] = i[r] || function() {       (i[r].q = i[r].q || []).push(arguments)     }, i[r].l = 1 * new Date();     a = s.createElement(o),       m = s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];     a.async = 1;     a.src = g;     m.parentNode.insertBefore(a, m)   })(window, document, "script", "https://www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js", "ga");   ga('create', 'UA-66147751-16', {     'storage': 'none',     'clientId': localStorage.getItem('ga:clientId')   });   ga(function(tracker) {     localStorage.setItem('ga:clientId', tracker.get('clientId'));   });   ga('set', 'checkProtocolTask', null);      ga('set', 'page', '/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/pelicans-zion-williamson-laughing-hysterically-before-grizzlies-game');   ga('set', 'title', 'Why Pelicans’ Zion Williamson was laughing hysterically before Grizzlies game');   ga('send', 'pageview');</script>        <style type="text/css" media="all">            body {    background: transparent;    margin: 0px;}h1, h2, h3 {    color: #DDDDDD;    font-family: "SFUIText-Semibold";    margin: 30px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 21px;    line-height: 125%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}header {    margin: 0px;    height: 0px;    display: none;}p {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 15px 15px 15px 15px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}p > img {    margin-left: -15px;    width: calc(100% + 30px);}a {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;    text-decoration: underline;}ul {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 3px 10px 3px 10px;    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}ol {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    font-size: 17px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.23px;}img {    margin: 0px;    width: 100%;    height: auto;}blockquote {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);    font-family: "SFUIText-Medium";    margin: 30px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 19px;    line-height: 135%;    letter-spacing: -0.41px;}blockquote p {    margin: 0px;}.op-tracker, .op-ad {    display: none;    height: 0px;}article > figure {    margin: 0px;}figcaption {    color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7);    font-family: "SFUIText-Regular";    margin: 10px 15px 30px 15px;    font-size: 13px;}iframe {    width: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;    margin: 0px;    border: 0;}.vine-embed {    height: __SCREEN_SIZE_WIDTH__;}.twitter-tweet, .instagram-media {    margin-left: 15px !important;    margin-right: 15px !important;    width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;}.clutchpoints-widget {    /*margin: 10px 15px 10px 15px !important;*/    /*margin-top: 1px !important;*/    padding-top: 10px;    /*margin-left: 15px !important;*/    /*margin-right: 15px !important;*/    /*width: __SCREEN_CONTENT_SIZE_WIDTH__ !important;*/}        </style>        <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" />    </head>    <body>        <article id="mvp-content-main"><header><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Memphis-Grizzlies-guard-Ja-Morant-12-reacts-toward-New-Orleans-Pelicans-forward-Zion-Williamson-1.jpg"><figcaption>© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><h1>Why Pelicans’ Zion Williamson was laughing hysterically before Grizzlies game</h1><time class="op-published" datetime="2025-10-23T20:37:19-07:00">October 23rd, 8:37pm</time><time class="op-modified" datetime="2025-10-23T20:37:19-07:00">October 23rd, 8:37pm</time><address><a>Chris Dodson</a>Chris Dodson is a Memphis Grizzlies beat reporter for ClutchPoints who has also covered the New Orleans Pelicans. He has covered Louisiana high school and college basketball in spurts for over a decade. A basketball lifer from the bayou, his gumbo-stirring form matches his elbow jumper celebrations. Fast enough for varsity hoops, tall enough for a soccer scholarship. He has words and will travel, just not on the court.</address><h3 class="op-kicker">Editorials</h3><figure class="op-ad"></figure></header><p>It takes a lot to push through the professional mask athletes wear on game night. However, a shout following pregame warmups would <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/new-orleans-pelicans/pelicans-zion-williamson-issues-playful-warning-ja-morant-after-grizzlies-loss">stick with Zion Williamson’s New Orleans Pelicans</a> until long after the final buzzer. For just a few seconds before facing <a href="https://clutchpoints.com/nba/memphis-grizzlies/grizzlies-news-ja-morant-jumper-zion-williamson">Ja Morant’s trash-talking Memphis Grizzlies</a>, the night belonged to a simple, good-natured moment.</p><p>While heading off the court, the 25-year-old All-Star forward was working his way along the tunnel, signing memorabilia. Then it happened. A wide, genuine grin gave it all away. Williamson heard it; the mask was removed for a second. The Duke alum known for seriously earth-shattering dunks began a jog to the locker room because an obvious around-eight-year-old’s shout accomplished something few in the world would attempt: they stopped the 6-foot-6 phenom in his tracks.</p><p>“Mister Zion!”</p><p>Williamson couldn’t hold the laugh in. A joke about it from ClutchPoints brought out another chuckle.</p><p>“Man, ‘Mister Zion,’ Williamson goofed, “I’m still only 25 years old.”</p><p>The comment and postgame reaction highlight Williamson’s current unique position. Zion’s <i>anything</i> has always been a 1-of-1 situation. A former No. 1 overall pick, the Spartanburg, SC native has been a household name for over half a decade. Williamson is a veritable veteran in the eyes of the basketball world. Yet, at just 25, Big Z is also just a young man still early in his prime.</p><h2><b>Zion Williamson done biding time</b></h2><figure><img src="https://wp.clutchpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Memphis-Grizzlies-guard-Ja-Morant-12-reacts-toward-New-Orleans-Pelicans-forward-Zion-Williamson-1-2.jpg"><figcaption>Petre Thomas-Imagn Images</figcaption></figure><p>The <a href="https://www.nba.com/game/nop-vs-mem-0022500085/box-score#box-score" rel="noopener">juxtaposition to the actual game</a> was striking. A pregame moment that felt like a neighborhood interaction, and a game that showed both Williamson’s all-world talent and the Pelicans’ vulnerability. Williamson’s laugh in the tunnel underlined how much remains public performance for a player who’s spent much of his career oscillating between highlight reels and injury lists. He is “still only 25” after all, early in an arc of what the basketball world hopes will be a long, dominant peak.</p><p>That make-or-break narrative has followed Williamson for years. Between weight fluctuations, off-court drama, and injuries, questions about availability abound. Joe Dumars came in with a supposed accountability-based mandate, and a lack of social media highlighted offseason work has only amplified the scrutiny. At media day, Williamson and Dumars talked about embracing significant responsibilities. The slimmer, more consistent presence in training camp was well-chronicled heading into this opener.</p><p>Still, for the fans who get those in-arena moments an hour before tipoff, the player behind the headlines sometimes shows up. “Mister Zion,” yelled by a single spectator, did more than get a laugh; it punctured the distance between celebrity and person for a beat. For a city that lives and breathes its basketball, those beats matter as much as the box score right now.</p><p>On the court, though, the Pelicans will take the lesson from the final minutes. Talented and emotionally buoyant as Williamson can be, basketball is decided by runs, rotations, and late possessions. As New Orleans looks to rebound from the season-opening defeat, Williamson’s ability to maintain his sense of humor might prove just as valuable as his athleticism. After all, staying grounded when fans treat you like basketball royalty requires a certain self-awareness.</p><p>The Pelicans face the San Antonio Spurs in their home opener on Friday night at the Smoothie King Center. Hometown fans may not address their star as “Mister Zion,” given the relationship. If they do though, the All-Star will appreciate the humor.</p><figure class="op-tracker"></figure></article>    </body></html>

2025-26 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
27.0	9.5	6.0	-	4.0

2025-26 SEASON STATS
PTS	REB	AST	BLK	STL
27.0	9.5	6.0	-	4.0

Zion Williamson

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Pelicans’ Zion Williamson posterizes Victor Wembanyama with one-handed jam

Why Pelicans’ Zion Williamson was laughing hysterically before Grizzlies game

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