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Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans are one of the league’s biggest surprises this season. The young talented squad led by Williamson is currently one of the best teams in the NBA. They are a very competitive group, and they don’t back down from anyone. It’s the perfect combination to create a rivalry and more.
Last year the Pelicans’ route to the postseason included Play-in games, and it didn’t have their star, Williamson. They earned the 8th spot in the Playoffs but got knocked off by Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns in the first round. But it wasn’t easy. It took the Suns six hard-fought games to claim the series, and the Pelicans weren’t at full strength. Their best player Willamson didn’t play a single game last season.
In an appearance on Sideline Sources’ Minutes with Mark podcast Trey Murphy III talked about having Willamson active this season and if a rivalry is brewing with the Suns.
Each team has won two games against each other this season, but the Pelicans are winning the battle of controversial moments. December 9th, the Pelicans defeated the Suns 128-117, and in the final second of the game, Willamson threw down a spectacular 360 windmill dunk. Once the game ended, some pushing and shoving occurred, and the moment made the basketball world ask the question, is this a new rivalry?
Murphy’s answer to a Suns rivalry
“You can’t really base it off regular season games,” Murphy told Sideline Sources. “Those rivalries are built during the playoffs. If we see them during the playoffs and it becomes the type of series it was last year, then I definitely think something could be brewing or on the horizon.”
The Suns won the final game of the season series 118-114. The stars showed up, and it was a great battle. Williamson finished with 30 points, but Devin Booker’s 58 points were too much to overcome.
A season ago, it was a surprise that the Pelicans matched up so well against the Suns, but now they have Williamson. When healthy, the forward is a star in the NBA and can elevate the Pelicans to elite status. They currently have one of the best records in the Western Conference, and the big man has been fantastic all season.
Williamson is averaging 25.2 points on 60.3% shooting while grabbing 7.2 rebounds and dishing out 4.7 assists in 25 appearances.
“He’s different, man,” Murphy said. “I don’t really get amazed by people on the court… But that dude is different. When I’m watching him play and when I’m on the court with him, seeing the gravity he has is really crazy.”
All work no play
The Pelicans have improved tremendously this season, and Murphy is one of the players who leaped with his progression. Many players use the offseason to get away, but that was not the plan for Murphy. He was in the gym with goals, and his play this season is showing all the work is paying off.
“I went into the offseason knowing I’m going to work on my body,” Murphy shared. “I’m going to make sure I get more athletic, and work on my ball handling. Those are the two main areas I focused on. Then obviously, with more time, and more experience, you will get a lot better, and you’re going to know what’s coming.”
So far this season, Murphy is averaging 12.7 points while shooting 46.9 percent from the field and 40.4 percent from deep. The second-year wing is one of the best two-way players on the roster and a big reason for their success.
In year two, Murphy is shooting, defending, and jumping higher when posterizing opponents. His improvements are making him a fan favorite in New Orleans and getting him national attention. His growth could land him in the upcoming dunk or three-point contest.
But at the end of the day, Murphy is all about winning. Rivalries, All-Star Weekend, and personal accolades come second to winning at the highest level. The Pelicans are on the same page this season and share the same goals. If healthy, the Pelicans will be one of the scariest teams in the NBA, and this could end up a season for New Orleans fans to remember.
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