Two days ago, Zion Williamson said he believed New Orleans was “close” to turning a corner this season. With Williamson taking over Monday’s game in the third quarter and the likes of Lonzo Ball and JJ Redick now playing at their highest level of 2020-21, the Pelicans posted their most impressive victory to date, beating league-best Utah.
Williamson’s 15-point third quarter helped turn a five-point halftime deficit into an 11-point lead through three quarters, before Redick supplied eight quick points in the fourth to expand that advantage. Ball kept New Orleans close in the opening half by depositing a team-high 14 points.