Duke basketball: Zion Williamson puts former UNC center on poster

Former Duke basketball forward Zion Williamson continues to prove his health. 

It is refreshing getting to see former Duke basketball forward Zion Williamson healthy on the basketball court and he showcased his explosiveness once again on Tuesday night.

Early in the second quarter of the New Orleans Pelicans matchup against the Utah Jazz, Williamson was isolated on the wing against rookie center Walker Kessler and the former North Carolina Tar Heel and Auburn Tiger was welcomed to the NBA.

Zion took two dribbles from the 3-point arc into the paint and elevated.

Walker Kessler was put on a poster.

The dunk was two of 26 points on the night for the former No. 1 overall pick although the Pelicans (18-9) fell to the Jazz (16-14), 121-100.

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Williamson also posted nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals on 10-of-16 shooting from the field in the loss as he has shouldered more of the scoring load with the absence of All-Star forward Brandon Ingram with a toe injury.

Ingram suffered a setback in his rehab process on Monday and will be sidelined at least another week.

Duke basketball sensation at center of controversy

Zion Williamson and the rest of the New Orleans Pelicans have been at the forefront of NBA drama over the last week in the back-to-back matchups the team had the with Phoenix Suns (16-12).

Williamson uncorked a 360-windmill dunk as the buzzer was set to sound the end of regulation on Friday night as the Pelicans won, 128-117.

Pushing and shoving ensued after the dunk and many thought it was the actions of the former Blue Devil which triggered the high emotions but alternate camera angles showed Suns guard Chris Paul and Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado started the brief altercation.

Zion had 35 points in the victory over the Suns, but the two teams would meet again on Sunday as tensions remained high and the outcome would remain the same

Williamson once again poured in 35 points as the Pelicans topped Phoenix, 129-124,  in overtime.

The two franchises have formulated a rivalry dating back to last year’s postseason as another meeting awaits in Phoenix on Saturday night (9:00p.m. ET, NBATV).