The New Orleans Pelicans and Minnesota Timberwolves played a great back-and-forth game during the NBA Wednesday slate, resulting in the Pelicans winning 119-118.
It was a competitive game throughout as the largest lead in the game was 11 by the Timberwolves and only four by the Pelicans. The final 2:17 of the game was played within a two-point margin as the game went right down to the wire.
With 41 seconds left in the game, the Pelicans took a two-point lead after Zion Williamson stole the ball and stormed down the court for a dunk. It was a play that D’Angelo Russell was very critical of during his post-game press conference, calling out Williamson’s physical style of play.
“He ran through my guy, took the ball. He’s playing football, we playing basketball. We can’t touch him or guard him. So, good for him.”
Williamson is an imposing presence on the basketball court. Despite being only 6’6”, he is one of the heaviest players in the league being listed at 284 pounds. He uses that size advantage well on the court, creating advantages for himself and his teammates.
LATEST NBA NEWS: D’Angelo Russell, Zion Williamson, Minnesota Timberwolves & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Referees also tend to change how they call the game when it gets deeper into things. They will sometimes swallow the whistle and let the players decide the outcome, while other times they will tighten things up and blow the whistle more often.
On Wednesday, it was the former, and Russell was none too pleased about it. His comments are a bizarre shot at Williamson, but also show clear frustration with how the referees were calling the game, as he felt the Pelicans All-Star was able to get more physical with his teammates than vice versa.
Russell could have a legitimate gripe when it comes to how the contest was officiated. Minnesota attempted 32 free throws in the game, making 24 of them. New Orleans attempted 43 free throws, making 30 of them, as the foul line is essentially where the game was decided.
LATEST NBA NEWS: D’Angelo Russell, Zion Williamson, Minnesota Timberwolves & New Orleans Pelicans Updates
Unsurprisingly, Williamson wore out a path to the charity stripe all evening. He attempted 19 free throws alone, making 14 of them, en route to a 43-point performance. When players relentlessly attack the basket, they are sometimes rewarded with foul calls, as Williamson was on Wednesday night.
Russell was clearly frustrated after the game, but that could also be from his team’s recent struggles. Minnesota has now lost four consecutive games and seven out of their last 10 as they adjust to life without Karl-Anthony Towns, who has been sidelined since November 30th.