Duke basketball: Zion Williamson’s career night comes with disappointment

Former Duke basketball star Zion Williamson saw his career night end in disappointment. 

Every night, former Duke basketball star Zion Williamson does something special.

Sometimes, his 20-point and eight-rebound nights go quietly because of his star-power abilities, but most of his heroic performances fall short while the New Orleans Pelicans (11-15) continue to falter as the All-Star Break approaches.

Williamson set a new career-high on Friday night against the Dallas Mavericks (13-15), but the former No. 1 overall pick didn’t gather the headlines he normally does because it was in a 13-point loss for the Pelicans, 143-130.

The former Blue Devil was a perfect 10-for-10 from the field in the first half and ended his outing with 36 points on 14-of-15 shooting and 8-of-11 from the free throw line while missing his only three-point attempt.

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Williamson also added two rebounds, four assists, and two steals in the loss.

Brandon Ingram also posted 30 points in the loss for the Pelicans while JJ Redick added 11 points off the bench.

However, the former Blue Devils were outshined by Luka Doncic and his 46 points in addition to 36 points from Kristaps Porzingis for the Mavericks.

Duke basketball standout needs to find a way to win games

After his shortened rookie season, Zion Williamson is finally showcasing his healthy self, but he needs to find a way to help the Pelicans win more games.

The former National Player of the Year is posting 24.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.0 steals per game in his second season in the NBA while shooting 61.3-percent from the floor.

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Despite his eye-popping numbers, the Pelicans are 2.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors for the coveted No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. However, the No. 7, 8, 9, and 10 seeds in each conference will play in a ‘Play-In’ Tournament to determine who goes to the postseason.

New Orleans is currently the No. 12 seed, one game behind the Mavericks for the No. 10 seed.

Zion Williamson will return to the court Tuesday, February 16 against the Memphis Grizzlies (11-11) at 7:30pm EST (TNT).