The NBA world has been abuzz over the conclusion of Friday’s Pelicans-Suns game and especially Zion Williamson’s dunk.
New Orleans walloped Phoenix with a 128-117 victory at home. The Pelicans improved to a Western Conference-best 17-8 with the win and it came thanks in large to star Zion Williamson.
Williamson went on a tear against the Suns. The former Duke Blue Devil and No. 1 overall pick went for 35 points in 37 minutes of action. He was virtually unstoppable as he recorded 13 makes on 17 tries, all coming on 2-pointers.
Two of his 35 points came under intense discourse though. Williamson finished the game and sent the fans home happy with a stupidly good dunk.
ZION MY GOODNESS🔥🔥🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 10, 2022
Immediately, reactions poured in. Some were funny and others were kind of lame. One Phoenix Suns player didn’t take the dunk or the moment too harshly.
DeAndre Ayton chimed in after the game with his thoughts. The Suns’ center wasn’t too bothered by the move by the Pelican star. Phoenix-area reporter Duane Rankin tweeted, “On Williamson’s 360: ‘It’s a homecourt. He’s doing it for his fans. I don’t take any of that stuff personal.'”
"Fun thing about it is we see them in a couple of days."
Deandre Ayton after #Suns loss to #Pelicans.
On dustup: "I ran off the court. I didn't see what happened."
On Williamson's 360:
"It's a homecourt. He's doing it for his fans. I don't take any of that stuff personal." pic.twitter.com/uCFrYmmwvE
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 10, 2022
No doubt the right approach. Although some of the Suns didn’t react so well to the dunk and ensuing dustup, Ayton chose to take the cool-headed approach. Job well done for him.
If Phoenix did want Zion to dunk on him, perhaps they simply should not have let him.