Seeding games power ranking: OKC Thunder defense bolsters their position

AUGUST 09: Terrance Ferguson #23, Darius Bazley #7, Chris Paul #3, Devon Hall #14, and Luguentz Dort #5 of the OKC Thunder celebrate after defeating the Washington Wizards (Photo by Kim Klement - Pool/Getty Images)
AUGUST 09: Terrance Ferguson #23, Darius Bazley #7, Chris Paul #3, Devon Hall #14, and Luguentz Dort #5 of the OKC Thunder celebrate after defeating the Washington Wizards (Photo by Kim Klement - Pool/Getty Images) /
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OKC Thunder, NBA Power Rankings Week 14
OKC Thunder, NBA Power Rankings Week 14: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Boston Celtics (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

New Orleans Pelicans:

Entering the bubble all the hype surrounding the return of Zion Williamson and the posted shots of the young star on social media. TV sponsors licked their lips at the prospect of having Zion fueled viewership.

Then Williamson left the bubble and by the time he returned he looked like he’d gained 20 pounds — and not of muscle.

The team who had the easiest strength of schedule with a cumulative opponent win total of 254, managed to win only two games and those wins came against the Wizards and Grizzlies (a team they seemingly own).

Williamson looked great at times, terrible on defense, and definitely out of shape. This has to be addressed before next season. Management will need to take control of this situation and with a new head coach since Alvin Gentry was fired.

Whether this had anything to do with the team or not, expect Zion to get questioned on why a coach who the team seemed to love is suddenly gone.

Seeding Game Results:

Jazz 106 – Pelicans 104
Clippers -126 – Pelicans 103 )
Pelicans 109 – Grizzlies 99
Kings 140 –  Pelicans 125
Pelicans 118 – Wizards 107
Spurs 122 – Pelicans 113
Kings 112- Pelicans 106
Magic 133 – Pelicans 127