Boston Celtics 108-123 New Orleans Pelicans
Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots the ball in the game against the Boston Celtics at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, January 26, 2020. /VCG Photo
Zion Williamson finally pocketed his first win in the NBA as he dropped 21 points and 11 rebounds in his third game at the Smoothie King Center on Sunday.
Unlike what happened in his debut game, Williamson only shot one 3-pointer and missed it on Sunday. Judging by his 37.5 percent of free throw rate (3-8), it's safe to say that the 19-year-old still has quite a lot to work on his shooting.
Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans dunks in the game against the Boston Celtics at the Smoothie King Center, January 26, 2020. /VCG Photo
Williamson got his points in other ways too. First, he grabbed seven offensive rebounds. Despite his 1.98-meter height, Williamson has remarkable explosiveness which, combined with the strength of a 128-kilogram body, made him a lethal weapon in the paint. Though the Celtics had rich forward defensive resources, none of them shared Williamson's monster-level strength and athleticism. If they send a big man to defend him, Williamson is way too fast.
The 19-year-old was not the only reason for New Orleans' victory. The team drained 16 triples at a rate of 44.44 percent, beating Boston's eight 3-pointers at 24. 24 percent. The starting units of the two teams scored 95 and 100 points respectively, close enough to a draw. However, J.J. Reddick broke the balance off the bench with three triples and 17 points. By contrast, Boston's bench squad together scored eight points, totally out matched by the opponents.
Phoenix Suns 109-114 Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies shoots the ball in the game against the Phoenix Suns at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, January 26, 2020. /VCG Photo
Another game decided by bench power. Devin Booker again proved he's one of the best shooting guards in today's league by shooting down 36 points and five 3-pointers for Phoenix. His teammate Kelly Oubre Jr. did not share Booker's high efficiency but made his contributions by focusing on assaulting the rim. He and Booker both earned 10 free throws and made nine each.
Nonetheless, Booker and Oubre were the team's only two players who did their jobs. Deandre Ayton put down a double-double of 17 points and 15 rebounds but was only 7-19, not to mention that he only got five free throws. Ricky Rubio completely lost his touch by going 1-10 in field goals. Moreover, Phoenix's bench unit was even more disappointing. Five of them together only had 19 points.
By contrast, Memphis not only saw three of their starters drop 20+points – Ja Morant (23), Dillon Brooks (20), Jaren Jackson Jr. (20) – their bench squad, led by Brandon Clark and De'Anthony Melton, got 33 points. No wonder Phoenix had to keep Booker, Oubre and Ayton for almost 40 minutes on the court – the rest of the team were simple unreliable.
Washington Wizards 133-152 Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks reacts in the game against the Washington Wizards at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, January 26, 2020. /VCG Photo
Trae Young paid his tributes to Lakers legend Kobe Bryant who was killed in a helicopter crash on Sunday. He was wearing the No. 8 jersey instead of his usual No. 11 one until the game started. Young was on full power in the game as he tried 24 shots, made 13 of them, including six 3-pointers, earned 16 free throws and made 13 of them.
Having contributed 45 points, six rebounds and 14 assists for the Hawks, young beat Bradley Beal and his 40 points, six assists as the Hawks achieved a big win at home. Before the end of the second half, Young made a half-court shot. After that, he said: "it's for Kobe."
Other games on Sunday (home teams in bold):
Toronto Raptors 110-106 San Antonio Spurs
Brooklyn Nets 97-110 New York Knicks
Los Angeles Clippers 112-97 Orlando Magic
Indiana Pacers 129-139 Portland Trail Blazers
Houston Rockets 110-117 Denver Nuggets