NBA Summer League 2019: Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett debuts feature highlight-reel plays

Alexis Mansanarez

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NBA Summer League 2019: Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett debuts feature highlight-reel plays image

It's safe to say this was the most anticipated matchup when the NBA Summer League began Friday.

Former teammates and the No. 1 and 3 overall draft picks, respectively, were pitted against each other when Zion Williamson and the Pelicans faced RJ Barrett and the Knicks.

However, Williamson's debut was cut short. The rookie did not play in the second half of the game — which was eventually suspended due to an earthquake — after taking knee-to-knee contact, according to the team.

An ESPN report noted the Pelicans "do not expect it to be a lingering issue."

Yet before Williamson left he and Barrett showed off a number of highlight-reel worthy plays that followed them from college into the league.  

While expectations shouldn't be too high — it is Summer League after all — soon after tip-off, Williamson started looking like Williamson.

It didn't take long for Barrett to show off his skills, either.

He hit a long 3-pointer for his first points.

But it continued to be Williamson's show. He dropped 10 points in the first quarter including this rip-and-dunk.

However, it wasn't all pretty. Williamson did show some growing pains and struggled from 3-point range. Mitchell Robinson was giving him the most trouble, blocking several of Williamson's shots. 

Williamson finished with 11 points on 4-for-9 shooting from the field and 0 for 2 from long distance before his early exit.

Barrett had 10 points on 4-for-18 shooting, 1 for 8 from 3-point range. He also had five rebounds, one assist and two turnovers in 25 minutes.

The Pelicans were leading 80-74 when play was suspended.

 

Alexis Mansanarez