New Orleans Pelicans Star Zion Williamson Exits Game with Injury, Lakers Secure No. 7 Seed
In a thrilling NBA play-in tournament matchup, the New Orleans Pelicans faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers, ultimately falling short with a final score of 110-106. The game took a dramatic turn when star forward Zion Williamson had to leave the court with 3:13 remaining due to an apparent injury.
Williamson appeared to injure his left leg while driving to the basket and making a shot over Anthony Davis, a moment that left fans and teammates concerned. The frustration was evident as Williamson headed to the locker room, leaving the game tied at 95.
Pelicans coach Willie Green later revealed that Williamson was dealing with left leg soreness, which was further reported as a left hamstring injury. Despite the setback, Williamson had an impressive performance, scoring 40 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in just 36 minutes before the injury occurred.
The Lakers capitalized on Williamson’s absence, outscoring the Pelicans 15-11 to secure the win and claim the coveted No. 7 playoff seed. The Pelicans will now await the winner of the Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors game in a bid for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.
Despite the disappointment of the loss, Williamson’s resilience was evident as he completed his healthiest season yet, appearing in a career-high 70 games in the 2023-24 campaign. The road to the playoffs continues for the Pelicans as they prepare to face off against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. Stay tuned for more updates on Williamson’s injury and the team’s playoff journey on Bio Prep Watch.
