The NBA, as we know it, is headlined by certain players such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry. Even now, players like Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic are taking over the league, but deep within we find similar talent that often goes unnoticed.
Tonight, the matchup between the New Orleans Pelicans (13-8) and the Toronto Raptors (11-10) showcased just that.
After averaging 27.0 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 3.7 ASG in his second season and then missing all of the proceeding 2021-22 season with a foot injury, the former #1 overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, Zion Williamson has been dominating so far this season.
As a result of his absences, due to injuries, many people have disregarded Zion, but the high flyer is currently averaging 22.5 PPG, 6.4 RPG, and 4.0 APG and only continues to get better and better as he now has 2,524 points through 100 career games, which is the most by an NBA player in their first 100 games since Michael Jordan who scored 2,721 points.
This also goes to show his troubling history of injuries as he has only played a total of 100 games since being drafted in 2019.
On the other side of the ball tonight was Pascal Siakam, the former 27th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. The former All-Star and NBA Finals Champion is currently having the best season of his NBA career, averaging 24.1 PPG, 9.5 RPG, and 7.4 APG.
Siakam’s best game this season came during a 109-105 loss to the Nets where he put up 37 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists.
Although he continues to fly under the radar he is now gaining some attention as he has scored 15 or more points with five or more rebounds and assists in nine straight games and has been deemed an early-season MVP candidate.
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Tonight, the Pelicans, who are currently third in the Western Conference, dominated the majority of the game, leading the Raptors 73-47 at halftime and finishing the game off with a 126-108 win.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 33 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks while shooting 80% from the field.
For the Raptors, Siakam put up 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Gary Trent Jr. led the game in scoring with 35 points.
The Pelicans advance to 13-8 on the season while the Raptors drop to 11-10. Both players will look to continue their strong outings this season and put the league on notice.
