Per @EliasSports: Zion Williamson has his 21st consecutive game with 20 points. Magic, Kobe, LeBron and Zion: Pelicans forward in elite company after getting All-Star starting nod ... "At first, I don’t know what was going on. The New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson was picked by team Kevin Durant for the All-Star Game this year. Over the years, many players have showcased their incredible and unique abilities to throw down dunks in this, and it is an opportunity for rising stars to make a name for themselves. And later denied all possibility However, when asked by JJ Redick about whether he would do it in the future or not, he stated, “I am gonna say no. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports. Zion recorded his first ever All-Star Game points in the most Zion way imaginable: a monster dunk from an alley-oop. Williamson posted 30 points on nine-of-13 shooting from the field as the New Orleans Pelicans upstaged the Denver Nuggets 113-108. Her love for playing the game transitioned into her love for writing for the sport. The NBA All-Stars found ways to still bring energy and excitement to a subdued game as Team LeBron defeated Team Durant 170-150 in Atlanta. https://videos.nba.com/nba/pbp/media/2021/02/03/0022000335/478/bf295950-9df5-88bd-f449-ed635ebe05c8_1280x720.mp4, New Orleans Pelicans: 3 storylines to follow in the 2nd half of the season, James Harden Fires Back at Antoine Walker Over Criticism, What the New Orleans Pelicans roster could look like post-trade deadline, New Orleans Pelicans: Lottery odds at midseason look tempting, New Orleans Pelicans: 3 storylines to watch against the Miami Heat. Although it seems like only LeBron James can convince him to get down on the court. But unless something crazy happens and I am like, ‘Alright, I got to do it.’ But as of now, No.”, However, Redick placed a very interesting situation in front of Zion. The reason behind asking this question is that LeBron James has never participated in the Dunk Contest. However, that doesn’t mean this is the only reason Williamson should consider taking part. Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans (Photo by Cassy Athena/Getty Images). That said, Steve Francis finished second as part of a spectacular showing in 2000, and likely would have won in most years. This is a player whose dunk attempt had officials fixing the rim mid-game. Team LeBron beat Team Durant, while Anfernee Simons was the best dunker and Steph Curry won the 3-point contest. The hearts of NBA fans around the world probably sank when it was announced that Zion Williamson would not be competing in this year’s dunk contest. Read also- Zion Williamson Narrates the Story Behind the Viral Video of an Undersized Kid Guarding Him, Get notified about breaking news and watch highlights on the go; join the Arena on NBA Hoops. LeBron James has shown off some of the best and most electrifying in-game dunks during his entire NBA career. With the NBA’s annual slam dunk contest on tap for Sunday night, we’re looking back at some of the most meaningful and impressive dunks in the history of the Houston Rockets franchise.. No player has ever won the dunk contest as a member of the Rockets. Who would want to say no to the GOAT? JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images New York Knicks: Kenny Walker and Nate Robinson 37.5% (tie) "Sky" Walker had the nickname, power dunks, high-top fade and gold chains and was the successor to back-to-back winner Michael Jordan as the slam dunk champion in 1989. New Orleans Pelicans: Should Brandon Ingram play at shooting guard? Zion Lateef Williamson (born July 6, 2000) is an American professional basketball player for the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association (NBA). A LeBron James team won – extending his record to 4-0 as an All-Star captain. I got to do something.”. Instead, the contest that has become one of the most anticipated events of all-star weekend will be headlined by Anfernee Simons from the Portland Trail Blazers, Obi Toppin from the New York Knicks, and Cassius Stanley from the Indiana Pacers. He plays the power forward position. The New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson was picked by team Kevin Durant for the All-Star Game this year. Elsewhere, Zion Williamson joined Shaquille O'Neal (2000-01) as the only players in the shot-clock era to score 20-plus points on 50 per cent shooting or better in 20 consecutive games in a single season. I got to go join,” Zion confessed. I was missing my dunks. Powered by Minute Media © 2021 All Rights Reserved. Hopefully this doesn’t become a LeBron James scenario where Williamson never ends up competing in a dunk contest. Let’s start with something simple but effective. She has a Bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication, with experience as a scriptwriter for short films. Considering the number of monstrous dunks he drops in games. For our first dunk, Nickeil Alexander-Walker connects with Zion on the lob for the flush. New Orlean Pelicans big man Zion Williamson may not have been apart of the NBA’s Slam Dunk Contest this past weekend, but that doesn’t mean the forward can’t throw it down with the best of them. The Pelicans won this game at home against the Phoenix Suns, with New Orleans’ first time all-star leading the way. Following a dominant freshman-year stint with the Duke Blue Devils, Williamson was selected by the Pelicans with the first overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. ... Zion Williamson of New Orleans started the game in … Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving dunks during the second half of basketball's NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta, Sunday, March 7, 2021. Others receiving votes: Zion Williamson 28%, JR Smith 16%, Anthony Davis 16%. Yashima Bhatia is an NBA writer for Essentially Sports. The hearts of NBA fans around the world probably sank when it was announced that Zion Williamson would not be competing in this year’s dunk contest. These are his best dunks of the season. Williamson finished with 28 points on 12-of-14 shooting and also pitched in with six assists of his own. Do you think we will ever get a chance to see Zion Williamson drop slam dunks in this contest? Others receiving votes:Zion Williamson 28%, JR Smith 16%, Anthony Davis 16% New York Knicks: Kenny Walker and Nate Robinson 37.5% (tie) ... LeBron dunks over KG. Giannis Antetokounmpo made all 16 of his shots in a historic 35-point performance that propelled Team LeBron to a 170-150 victory over Team Durant in the NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta. This die-hard Lakers fan has been working for EssentiallySports since July 2020. Well, why wouldn’t he? Zion Williamson - 3. Zion Williamson (6/6/00) was hype personified, coming in as the number one draft pick in 2019. In this case, Williamson dominates Frank Kaminsky before rising above the rim to finish emphatically off the Alexander-Walker assist. He recently signed with the New Orleans Pelicans, and is like trying to guard a mack truck down-low… it simply can’t be done!. How can this not remind anyone of Shaq’s reign of terror with his dunks? It was a great way to start his incredible February. Zion Williamson is a first time all-star in his second season with the New Orleans Pelicans. Well, why wouldn’t he? New Orleans Pelicans news from FanSided Daily, New Orleans Pelicans: Where the Pels youngsters stand into the all-star break. Surprising, right? Channel: TNT Time: 8 p.m. ... All the dunks. The New Orleans Pelicans’ star, Zion Williamson, was speculated to take part in it, but he did not. ET This year’s Skills Competition will be happening before the game at 6:30 p.m. … That's the most in NBA history for a player before turning 21. Also, explore NBA TV & League Pass subscriptions to watch live games on your favorite devices. The current Los Angeles Lakers star has gotten better over the years and even at 36, he’s making spectacular plays. Zion continues to prove that he’s got what it takes to become one of the faces of the league for many, many years to come. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. Therefore, it seemed like he would also be willing to participate in the Slam Dunk contest. The latest stats, facts, news and notes on Zion Williamson of the New Orleans His posterizing dunks have instilled fear in his opponents. His posterizing dunks have instilled fear in his opponents. However, I think that it is probably for the best that Williamson won’t be competing this year. “Can’t just get called out and just sit there and do nothing. Therefore, it seemed like he would also be willing to participate in the Slam Dunk contest. At that point are you going to join the Dunk Contest?”, “At that point, yeah! Zion could someday be the most efficient in the NBA as he generates the most efficient shots, layups and dunks, and he converts them at an almost unfathomable rate. Essentially Sports © 2020 | All Rights Reserved, Zion Williamson Narrates the Story Behind the Viral Video of an Undersized Kid Guarding Him. No Dunks is a daily NBA podcast hosted by Skeets, Tas, Trey, Leigh, and JD — the original basketball podcasters. Based on the way Zion Williamson’s teammates operated during the 2021 NBA All-Star Game on Sunday night, they may be a bit jealous of New … The second-year player had gone 10 of 17 from the field with 28 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Mar 2, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Staples Center. He asked jokingly, “What happens if LeBron is a late entry to the Dunk Contest, and he throws one down, and then he calls you out. Besides his high-flying dunks and his power, Williamson has put a lot of work on his overall repertoire; putting the ball on the floor, creating for others, and even slightly improving as an on-ball defender. With the dunk contest right around the corner, I think it’s fitting that we take a stroll down memory lane—a short one at that, given how Williamson’s NBA career is just getting started—and take a look at the first time all-star’s eight best dunks so far this season. Build your custom FanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis on New Orleans Pelicans and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. How To Watch the NBA All-Star Game. At first, he had claimed that he might take part in it, leaving us in mystery. Watch free NBA video highlights, news, and analysis. With the All-Star Game done and dusted and team LeBron James coming out as the clear winners, the Slam-Dunk contest is also over. This is a play that the Pelicans have used often this season, with Williamson posting up, spinning off his man, and then inflicting damage around the basket. Lakers Still Winless Without LeBron James, Lose to Pelicans 128-111 Brandon Ingram scored a season-high 36 points, Zion Williamson had 27 … His dunks deserve a crowd. Should LeBron James challenge Zion? It’s not a star-studded field and Williamson would have added plenty of pizazz in addition to his dunks, but it should still be a fun time.