Zion Williamson suffers hip contusion after heavy fall on dunk attempt

New Orleans, Lousiana - Zion Williamson left the New Orleans Pelicans' 122-121 overtime loss to the Utah Jazz on Sunday with a posterior hip contusion after a nasty fall and did not return in an injury worry.

New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson is injured on a play by a Utah Jazz player during the second half at Smoothie King Center.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson is injured on a play by a Utah Jazz player during the second half at Smoothie King Center.  © REUTERS

The 2019 NBA Draft top overall pick fell hard on the court after Jordan Clarkson blocked his transition dunk attempt with 8:06 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Williamson writhed on the ground in pain after the heavy fall, checking out shortly after the incident and not re-entering the game.

The 22-year-old power forward did not seek medical treatment on the bench but was not used during overtime.

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The Pelicans confirmed after the game that Williamson had "sustained a posterior hip contusion," but head coach Willie Green had no further update on the severity.

"I don't know as of right now," Green told reporters. "We finished the game, I went right in the locker room and spoke to the team.

"I haven't spoken to our medical staff yet. We'll get an update soon and talk to you guys from there."

When pressed on whether there was a discussion after Williamson re-entering, Green added: "The word that I got [was] that he wasn't going back in."

Williamson missed all of last season due to a broken foot, having emerged in 2020-21 with an All-Star year averaging 27.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.

The Pelicans also lost Brandon Ingram to a head injury, with the small forward evaluated for concussion-like symptoms after a collision with teammate Naji Marshall in the first quarter.

The Jazz won the game in overtime with Kelly Olynyk scooping in a go-ahead shot with three seconds to go.

Cover photo: Collage: REUTERS

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