Blue Devil Country

Zion Williamson plays point guard, credits Coach K wisdom

The Duke basketball great's playmaking is starting to command center stage.

Matt Giles

Former Duke basketball forward Zion Williamson (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)
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Duke basketball product Zion Williamson returned from his two-game absence (back/hip injury) on Sunday and further uncovered the most intriguing shelf in his toolbox as "Point Zion" on more than a few occasions.

With fellow NBA Blue Devil Brandon Ingram out for a third straight game recovering from a concussion, Williamson's decision-making in dishing out a game-high seven assists elevated the New Orleans Pelicans (4-2) to a 112-91 road win over the Los Angeles Clippers (2-4).

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He added 21 points, shooting 9-for-17 from the field and 3-for-4 from the charity stripe, plus 12 rebounds, one steal, and only one turnover in his 31 minutes on the floor. The performance marks the one-time All-Star's first double-double in four outings this season and perhaps signals the nearing of his first NBA triple-double.

Afterward, Zion Williamson suggested to the media that he was able to make the right reads look easy, in part, by drawing on the straightforward lesson that he received as a one-and-done Blue Devil from now-retired Duke basketball legend Mike Krzyzewski.

"It goes back to something Coach K said to me, and that's always stuck with me since the Duke days," the 22-year-old explained. "The game is so simple. It's crazy. If two people are shifted towards you, two people gotta be open."

Aside from avoiding injuries, everything Williamson does on a basketball court looks easy-peasy these days. After missing all last season with a foot injury, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2019 NBA Draft is averaging 21.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.8 steals this go-round.

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Zion Williamson and the Pelicans now have a couple of days off before facing the Los Angeles Lakers (1-5) on the road at 10:30 p.m. ET Wednesday.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for daily Duke basketball content.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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