Zion Williamson stats tonight: How did the Pelicans superstar perform in return vs Anthony Edwards’ Timberwolves? (Jan. 7)

After sitting out 27 games, Zion Williamson returned to the New Orleans Pelicans' lineup on Tuesday to face fellow No. 1 pick Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite Williamson’s impressive performance in his comeback, Edwards outshined him as the Timberwolves secured a 104-97 victory.

Williamson logged nearly 28 minutes, scoring 22 points on an efficient 9-of-15 shooting. He struggled from deep, going 0-for-2, and converted just 4-of-9 free throws but contributed six rebounds, four assists, three steals and a block.

Below are his full stats from the game.

PLAYER	MIN	PTS	REB	AST	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%	FTM	FTA	FT%	OREB	DREB	STL	BLK	TO	PF	=+/-
Zion Williamson	27:40	22	6	4	9	15	60.0	0	2	0.0	4	9	44.4	4	2	3	1	4	3	8

Throughout the game, Zion Williamson demonstrated the athleticism he’s renowned for. Four minutes into the first quarter, he finished an alley-oop set up by CJ McCollum.

A little over a minute into the second half, Williamson stole the ball and executed a jaw-dropping windmill 360 dunk on a fast break, electrifying fans at Smoothie King Center.

Shortly after, Dejounte Murray assisted Williamson on another alley-oop during a fast break.

Dejounte Murray, Zion Williamson lead the way but Pelicans fall short vs Timberwolves

Dejounte Murray and Zion Williamson displayed their potential as a dynamic duo, linking up on several plays while showcasing their individual skills.

Murray tallied 20 points on 12-of-20 shooting, adding six assists and six steals over nearly 34 minutes. Williamson, in his return, added 22 points and posted a team-best plus-8 rating.

Jose Alvarado and Herb Jones chipped in 13 and 10 points, respectively, but the Pelicans couldn’t overcome the Timberwolves, hindered by CJ McCollum’s 1-of-14 shooting performance, resulting in just five points.

The Pelicans struggled from deep, converting just 29.3% of their 3-point attempts.

Anthony Edwards was the star of the night, leading the Timberwolves with 32 points on 10-of-21 shooting, including a stellar 7-of-11 from beyond the arc. He added nine rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Former Pelican Julius Randle contributed 16 points and six rebounds, while Naz Reid notched a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds off the bench.

Donte DiVincenzo and Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 10 points (with seven assists) and 11 points off the bench, respectively.

The Timberwolves will next face the Orlando Magic, while the Pelicans will hope to rebound against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday.