Fri Jan 10 22:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Williamson Returns, Dunks Highlight Pelicans Loss to Timberwolves
**New Orleans, LA** – Zion Williamson made his highly anticipated return to the court Tuesday night after a 27-game absence due to a hamstring injury. While the New Orleans Pelicans star showcased his explosive athleticism with highlight-reel dunks, including a spectacular 360 tomahawk slam, it wasn’t enough to secure a victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who triumphed 104-97.
Williamson, showing no signs of rust, scored 22 points, grabbed six rebounds, dished out four assists, and added three steals in his comeback performance. His electrifying dunks energized the home crowd, but Anthony Edwards’ stellar performance for the Timberwolves ultimately proved decisive. Edwards led his team with 32 points, nine rebounds, and three assists, showcasing impressive long-range shooting (7-of-11 from beyond the arc).
The loss drops the injury-plagued Pelicans to a dismal 7-30 record, the worst in the Western Conference. This season has been marred by significant absences for key players including Brandon Ingram (ankle), Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, Herbert Jones, and Trey Murphy III (who missed Tuesday’s game with a sprained ankle). Williamson himself has only played in seven of the team’s 37 games.
Williamson’s injury history continues to be a major concern. Since being drafted first overall in 2019, he’s played in just 191 of 427 regular season games. Despite this, the Pelicans remain committed, having signed him to a five-year, $197 million max extension in 2022. However, the final three years of the deal are reportedly not guaranteed due to a games-played clause.
While Williamson’s return offers a glimmer of hope for the struggling Pelicans, the team faces an uphill battle to turn their season around amidst a persistent injury crisis. His continued health will be crucial to their chances of making a playoff push.
First Piper 