Zion Williamson's Remarkable Debut

Last night featured what was debatably one of the most anticipated moments of the season. After sitting out the first three months of the regular season, Zion Williamson debuted in a home game against the San Antonio Spurs. Although the Pelicans ultimately lost, Zion's debut was still a memorable one, and in a way exceeded its surrounding hype.

Zion had a relatively slow start over the course of the game, recording only 5 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists heading into the fourth quarter, and playing in only four minute stretches during the first three. Then, in a mere 3 minutes and 29 seconds, Zion scored 17 points, leading his team back into the game, and shot 4 for 4 from 3-point range. He finished with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists in 18 minutes of play, the most from any player in the shot-clock era in an NBA debut while playing less than 20 minutes. Zion Williamson is actually the first player in NBA history, period, to record at least 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 4-made 3-pointers in fewer than 20 minutes. He is also the first NBA player in history to shoot 100% on at least four 3-pointers in a debut.

While his performance may have been lacking in the vicious dunks he's known for, his debut has without a doubt met, or even exceeded, the expectations of his fans. If this is any indicator of how his season – or even his career – will turn out, then we are in for something special.

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