Nobody can defend Zion Williamson: the historical statistics of the New Orleans Pelicans star

Nothing stops the New Orleans Pelicans. Those directed by Willie Green they beat the Phoenix Suns 129-124 in overtime and they got their seventh win in a row. Los fur are consolidated in highest in Western Conference, 18-8 and although there are many merits that can be marked to justify its success, it is clear that one appears above the rest: the absolutely devastating present from Zion Williamson.

Zion, increasingly established in his role as point forwardhad another magnificent night in a new hot duel against Phoenix (without Devin Booker): 35 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assistswith the efficiency that characterizes it (14 of 21 from the field, 67% correct).

At this point, no one is going to find out how Williamson is a completely rare case in league history in terms of finding players capable of scoring between 25 and 30 points every night and still stay above the 60% field. There is no possible comparison for its levels of volume and efficacy, but neither is there for an item in which it continues to make historical differences: his condition of indefensible in one against one.

I just don’t know what you do with Zion’s drives. Shamet is in early and is working to get in help because he knows it’s coming. Zion is so sudden he’s already by Shamet’s help and finishes going left. pic.twitter.com/9feL4Juw5E

— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) December 11, 2022

Right now, there is no bigger nightmare in the NBA than getting matched up with Zion one-on-one. Something that the Pelicans exploit without abusing that resource, but to which they resort at certain times, always with excellent results.

Williamson’s numbers on clearing actions are unparalleled for as long as records have been kept. In fact, their percentages are not only surpassing, but directly destroying any precedent. Not counting what happened this Sunday against the Suns, Zion is throwing a 57.4% from the field in 3.5 clearance possessions per game. A mark that if maintained, would be by far the highest since the NBA offers those numbers (2015-2016 season).

Before this year of Zion, these were the most efficient players (with a minimum of 3.5 possessions in clearances per game) in that kind of one-on-one action: Williamson is more than 6% field above from any other record.

Perhaps the most striking point of this Williamson’s unprecedented one-on-one dominance, go through the fact that one of the teams with the fewest shooters in the league appears around him. The Pelicans are listed 21st in 3-pointers made and 27th in 3-pointers attemptedso the ease that Zion finds not to score is not linked to the fact that the rival markers have to be aware of infallible snipers.

If Williamson is already indefensible without so many triplers around him, What can happen when New Orleans makes a quality leap in that regard? The answer to that question could be tied to trophies and celebrations deep in the season.