Pelicans' Zion Williamson: Effective in return

Williamson (hamstring) tallied 22 points (9-15 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 4-9 FT), six rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block in 28 minutes during Tuesday's 104-97 loss to the Timberwolves.

Williamson suited up for the first time since Nov. 6 after missing an extended period due to a hamstring injury. While the 24-year-old forward was held under 30 minutes, he looked as athletic as ever, as demonstrated by the 360-degree, double-clutch windmill dunk he unleashed early in the third quarter. Even if Williamson continues to play fewer than 30 minutes per contest while he works his way back to a full workload, he's capable of providing efficient scoring to go with useful contributions in the rebounds, assists and defensive categories. The Pelicans will wrap up a back-to-back set Wednesday versus the Trail Blazers, and Williamson could be a candidate to rest for that contest before returning to action Friday at Philadelphia.