The recent in-season tournament game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans has captured the attention of many fans and observers. This game drew attention not just for its blowout score, but also due to the performances of some key players.
Zion Williamson, in particular, stood out, but unfortunately for the wrong reasons. Expected to be one of the most dominant players in the game, the Pelicans forward fell short of expectations, managing only 13 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists, albeit shooting a solid 75% from the field.
In a high-stakes or elimination game, a performance like this doesn’t really cut it, especially in the eyes of a legend and NBA pundit like Shaquille O’Neal. Known for his straightforward critiques of various NBA players, O’Neal zeroed in on Williamson, suggesting he doesn’t like the effort and body language of the former No. 1 overall pick.
“He does not run hard. He doesn’t seal. He doesn’t demand the ball. Like you got a small guy and we talk about it all the time. Barbecue Chicken. Charles talks about it all the time. You can’t let a little guy guard you. He doesn’t have that look. Like, I’m not the greatest ever but I know a look when I see it. Tiger Woods had that look. Jack Nicholson had that look.”
Shaq on the deficiencies in Zion’s Williamson game:
“I was just like him.” pic.twitter.com/bEWBwTvJuJ
— Oh no he didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) December 8, 2023
