Zion Williamson Impresses NBA Fans Despite Pelicans' Loss to Warriors with Curry Out

Zion Williamson went off on Tuesday night, though it wasn't enough to best the shorthanded Golden State Warriors.

The Dubs, despite being without the injured trio of Stephen Curry, De'Anthony Melton and Andrew Wiggins—and despite Williamson's 31 points, eight rebounds, three assists and one block—beat the New Orleans Pelicans, 124-106

Williamson was truly the main event, showcasing his usual blend of power, explosiveness and touch.

And social media gave him his flowers despite the loss:

But ultimately, this was a bad loss for the Pelicans and a fantastic win for Golden State.

While the Pelicans were without key players in Dejounte Murray (fractured hand) and Trey Murphy III (hamstring), they led this game by as many as 20 points and didn't have to deal with Curry. Even on the road, this should have been a win.

But the Warriors came roaring back, scoring 40 points in the third quarter, as Buddy Hield (28 points, 7-of-11 from three), Lindy Waters III (21 points, nine boards) and Jonathan Kuminga (17 points, three rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block) led the charge.

Golden State's defense was fantastic, forcing 22 Pelicans' turnovers. The Dubs shot lights out from beyond the arc (21-of-46, 45.7 percent). And the Warriors were balanced, with five players scoring double-digit points.

The Pelicans, meanwhile, had only Williamson and Brandon Ingram (30 points) in double digits. This was a night to forget for New Orleans, but it was at least promising to see Williamson playing well after fully recovering from the illness that kept him out of the opening game of the season.