“Can’t control what no grown man do…” Responding to Stephen A Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Zion Williamson gives mature response

Zion Williamson scored a season high 36 points in the victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“Can’t control what no grown man do…” Responding to Stephen A Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Zion Williamson gives mature response

Analysts and former players, including Stephen A. Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O’Neal, heavily criticized Zion Williamson, the 2019 NBA number 1 draft pick, this season, focusing on his form and fitness. The criticisms gained momentum, especially after the Pelicans’ loss to the Lakers in the NBA In-Season tournament.

Following his pivotal role in the Pelicans’ 121-107 victory over the leading team in the Western Conference, the Minnesota Timberwolves, Zion addressed the comments. He contributed significantly to the win, scoring a season-high 36 points.

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In the aftermath of the devastating loss to the Lakers, where he only scored 13 points from 8 shots, Zion faced heavy criticism for his performance. When questioned about the criticism, he responded:

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If it comes from a great place and a place where they just want to see me do better, thank you. But if it comes from anywhere else, everybody's entitled to their own opinion. You can't control that.

He continued:

It's been like that since I was 16 years old. If I want to be one of the best players in the league, if we don't win in a big moment or something bad happens, that's to be expected. I'm just glad we responded.

Plagued by a series of injuries, Zion endured prolonged periods of absence, participating in only 24 games during his rookie season and sitting out the entire 2021-2022 season. Currently, he maintains an average of 22.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, boasting an impressive FG% of 58.4.

Zion Williamson ends Wolves 6-game winning streak

At the Smoothie King Center, the New Orleans Pelicans halted the Minnesota Timberwolves’ winning streak with a decisive scoreline of 121-107. Zion Williamson played a pivotal role, concluding the game with an impressive stat line of 36 points, five rebounds, and two assists.

Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson (image via Twitter)

Following the humiliating defeat to the Lakers in the NBA In-Season tournament semifinals, the Pelicans rebounded with a decisive victory—a response to that forgettable night for Zion. Notably, the Pelicans showcased their prowess with three players dominating the top spots on the stats charts. CJ McCollum, tallying 23 points, four rebounds, and four assists, and Brandon Ingram, contributing 20 points, three rebounds, and five assists, played key roles in this impressive performance.

The Pelicans are set for their next challenge with a trip to the Capital One Arena to face the Washington Wizards, while the Timberwolves will be visiting the Dallas Mavericks in their upcoming matchup.

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