Zion Williamson’s resurgence could pose problem for Knicks
Zion Williamson is slimmer and more healthy for his journey to MSG.
The “freak of nature,” as Josh Hart known as Williamson, appeared in 45 of the previous 46 video games earlier than Tuesday night time’s showdown towards the Knicks. It’s a noteworthy accomplishment for a participant whose path towards superstardom was derailed by accidents and DNPs.
“Extremely talented,” Hart, who was teammates with Williamson for 1 ½ seasons in New Orleans, instructed The Post. “When he’s locked in and he’s focused, he’s one of probably 15 or 20 top players in the league, if not better.”
After years of being hyped by the NBA and scheduled for nationwide broadcasts, Williamson, the No. 1 choose within the 2019 draft, has largely been away from the highlight this season.
He was additionally on a minutes restriction earlier this season and his per sport averages — 21.3 factors, 5.8 rebounds, 59.8 % taking pictures, 29.7 minutes — will not garner any postseason awards.
But Williamson’s nonetheless a present and a problem the Knicks should take care of.
“He’s a freak of nature. I say that with all due respect,” Hart stated. “He’s obviously extremely explosive, the way he’s able to maneuver and contort his body, and he has a great touch around the rim. That’s going to be a challenge for us. We got to make sure we’re just solid. Don’t swipe down. Don’t smack down. And try to make him finish.”
The Pelicans (25-47) are disappointing this season however are rising recently with 12 wins of their previous 19 video games. Unlike the Knicks’ previous three opponents — the Pacers, Nets and Wizards — the Pelicans aren’t tanking. They don’t have any incentive to lose after buying and selling their 2026 first-round choose to the Hawks.
So the Knicks are going through a motivated crew and a motivated athletic bulldozer in Williamson, who has solely twice beforehand performed at MSG as a professional — a win in 2024 and a loss in 2021.
“I think what’s really impressive is that first burst but also his second jump,” Hart stated. “When I first saw him, the way he shoots the ball around the rim, you’d think he has no touch. But he has an amazing touch. And the ones where he doesn’t, he has a quick enough second jump where he’s able to get the rebound and sometimes before guys even get off the ground.”
Landry Shamet was dominated out for a second straight sport and there is now an official damage designation.
According to the Knicks, Shamet, who banged his knee in Friday’s victory over the Nets, has a tibial plateau contusion. The excellent news is the damage is nothing main, a league supply stated, and the guard isn’t anticipated to overlook a lot time.
Shamet watched Sunday’s win over the Wizards in road garments, when his damage designation was proper knee soreness.
