In ‘rhythm’, Zion Williamson supports Trey Murphy III’s All-Star push

For the first time in his career, Zion Williamson he plays without looking over his shoulder. No minutes limit, no medical control, just the natural flow of the game and his own stamina dictating his time on the court. That newfound freedom is the foundation for everything else that follows regrouping the New Orleans Pelicansincluding two-time All-Star energetic campaign to recognize Trey Murphy III.

Williamson feels it. The bursts, the finishes, the whole flow of the game are synchronizing in a way he hasn’t consistently experienced since turning pro.

“I feel like I’m in a great rhythm right now,” Williamson said, “especially as far as minutes go. I don’t feel tired. I feel really good, and I think the medical staff recognized that, so they gave me more minutes. I feel like I’m in a good rhythm.”

That rhythm turned into stable production. Since Nov. 1, Williamson has averaged 22.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game, along with 0.6 combined steals and blocks. More impressively, since December, when interim coach James Borrego’s system took full effect, those numbers have climbed to 23.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.5 combined steals and blocks per game.

But while Williamson’s return to form was a welcome sight for Pelicans fans, Murphy III’s breakthrough became the season’s most compelling story. The 25-year-old has emerged as one of the league’s most dangerous two-way players, posting numbers that warrant All-Star consideration.

Since November 1st, Murphy III has averaged 22.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.9 combined steals and blocks while shooting 39.7% from three-point range. Those the numbers have only improved since Dec. 1 when Murphy III has soared to 23.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.6 combined steals and blocks, all while shooting a blistering 40.3% from beyond the arc.

For Williamson, the rise of Murphy III is no surprise.

“I’m not shocked by it at all,” Williamson said. “If you watched, you saw (Trey Murphy III) make these strides last year. Like, really big strides. This year, I think he just fell into that part where it’s natural for him game by game.”

The All-Star talk, according to Zaon Williamson, should reflect that newfound reliability as much as raw star power. Trey Murphy III’s case isn’t built on one hot streak, but on sustained production, defensive impact and adaptability within a system that asks him to do more every night. The Pelicans can build on that for years.