Charles Barkley lashes out at Zion Williamson’s Pelicans after “embarrassing” loss to Warriors
Charles Barkley criticizes Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans after the recent loss to the Warriors
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Zion Williamson, Charles Barkley, and Bubby Hield
It wasn’t the best of nights for Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans during their away game against the Golden State Warriors last night. Despite being in total control at the start of the game, they eventually lost 124-106, in the most painful way possible.
Charles Barkley was like every other Pelican fan, as he expressed his disappointment at the end of the game during a segment of TNT’s Inside the NBA. In his disappointment, he called the performance embarrassing, and rightfully so as the Warriors overcame a 17-point deficit at the end of the first quarter.
I’m not gonna overreact. That was embarrassing by the Pelicans. … There’s no Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy. Man, they got Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum. They got their most important three players. To have a 20-point lead and lose by 20, that was embarrassing.
Charles Barkley said on Inside the NBA
The game was the first game played by the Warriors after talisman Stephen Curry suffered an ankle injury against the Los Angeles Clippers, and it didn’t start well as the Pelican led the first quarter 31-14. Replacing the firepower of Chef Curry was Bubby Hield and he didn’t disappoint as he ended the game with 28 points, one rebound, and an assist.
On the Pelicans side, Zion Williamson had 31 points, eight rebounds, and three assists alongside Brandon Ingram who had 30 points, four rebounds, and two assists. Barkley had every right to be upset at the way the Pelicans capitulated to lose the game despite the absence of the Baby-Faced Assassin.
Zion Williamson seeking vengeance in 2024-25 Season
Zion Williamson’s performance in the recent loss to the Warriors was a testament to his commitment as he had set lofty goals for himself in the new season. Furthermore, this motivation stemmed from last season’s disappointing end, where a hamstring injury forced him to miss crucial games.
I want to be one of them ones. I’ve been talking about it and I’ve been making mistakes (along the way). That stuff can’t happen. It’s time to take every game personal. It sucks that I had to go through some of that stuff, but it made me a better person. It’s what drives me to do what I’m doing now.
Zion Williamson said in an interview with The Athletic’s William Guillory
Also, a December loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Cup semifinals last season served as a turning point for Williamson. He re-evaluated his game after scoring just 13 points, which had sparked criticism from analysts like Charles Barkley.
His fitness has always been an issue and bone of contention used by his critics, and after he had shed considerable weight during the offseason, he looks a different player. This season he currently averages 20.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.
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Ubong Archibong
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