WATCH: Zion Williamson Showcases His Power Against the Trail Blazers

New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson continued to rack up impressive performances as he dropped 25 points on Friday against Portland Trail Blazers.

In the first quarter, Williamson showed Portland’s Trevor Ariza why he is known for his power and strength. The Pelicans managed to bring together a fast break move from a Trail Blazers turnover when the ball went to Williamson. He then scored with a powerful jammed in spite of Ariza tipping the ball while in Zion’s hands.

By the end of the game, Zion had 25 points, three assists, and four rebounds, helping his team to a 128-115 win.

The Pelicans and the Trail Blazers are among the four teams are in a race for the last playoff berths in the Western Conference. Wins like these could make a massive difference towards the end of the regular season.

“We want to play to get into a tournament. We want a high seed. Those are the things that we’ve talked about. Obviously, we have to play good basketball,” Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry said about the team wanting to make it to the playoffs.

Zion Williamson comes into the race for NBA Rookie of the Year award

Much before the start of the season, many considered Zion Williamson to be one of the most exciting prospects in the league since LeBron James in 2003. Many also considered him to be one of the favourites for the NBA Rookie of the Year award. However, a rather long injury layoff led Williamson away from the contenders for the award.

But a sensational return from injury is putting him back in contention for the rookie accolade. Over 10 games into his NBA career, Zion is averaging 22.1 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. The way Williamson has been playing, it wouldn’t be surprising if he leads the team into the playoffs. And if that does happen, Williamson wouldn’t be far from being named as the Rookie of the Year.