Zion rips Pelicans for 'unacceptable' performance in loss to Nets

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 11: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans shoots over Julius Randle #30 of the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter of an NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets at Smoothie King Center on November 11, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Sean Gardner / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Zion Williamson tore into the New Orleans Pelicans for their lackluster effort in Wednesday's 145-111 blowout loss to the Brooklyn Nets.

"Unacceptable," Williamson said postgame, per ESPN. "I don't even have a lot of words. Just unacceptable."

While Williamson posted a game-high 29 points in the defeat, no one else on New Orleans scored more than 15.

However, the 26-year-old said he's more concerned about the team's defense. The Pelicans rank 29th in points allowed per game and 26th in defensive rating.

"As men, we have to, as a unit, players, coaches, everybody, you have to go look yourself in the mirror when you by yourself and say, did I do everything that I needed to do for my team?" Williamson said. "Was I in the gaps on defense? Was I a low man when I was supposed to? Did I get out there and contest shots to make it tough on them? Did I do everything I needed to do? Did I give in real effort?

"That's what everybody has to do."

The Pelicans started the season 4-4 but have now lost four consecutive contests. Williamson is averaging a team-high 21.7 points per game. The 2019 No. 1 pick has yet to appear in the playoffs in his career.

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