Zion Williamson made a statement in his return to action on Sunday, delivering 18 points—seven of them in the final four minutes—as the New Orleans Pelicans rallied to a 114–104 victory over the Chicago Bulls. The former No. 1 overall pick rejoined the lineup after missing five games with a right hip adductor strain, immediately providing the physical presence and late-game composure the Pelicans have sorely lacked this season.

Despite his star status, Williamson came off the bench, entering 4:35 into the first quarter and logging just under 27 minutes. The unorthodox role did not faze him. Williamson said interim coach James Borrego’s plan allowed him to manage his body while still closing the game, noting the rhythm felt right. His return was punctuated by a powerful dunk with 37 seconds remaining, effectively sealing the win and energizing the home crowd.

Injuries have defined much of Williamson’s 2025 campaign. The two-time All-Star has now appeared in only 11 games for the last-place Pelicans, who improved to 5–22 with the victory. Prior to Sunday, Williamson was averaging 22.1 points and 5.6 rebounds, including a season-high 29-point performance in a November win over Chicago that snapped a nine-game losing streak. His limited availability has been a major factor in the team’s struggles this season.

Borrego praised Williamson’s commitment to rehabilitation, crediting his work ethic for a quicker-than-expected recovery. Williamson acknowledged the mental toll of repeated setbacks but said an intensive offseason program has helped him return stronger and faster each time. Earlier this season, he missed eight straight games with a hamstring strain and was later rested during a back-to-back as a precaution, underscoring the ongoing challenge of maintaining health.

Chicago, meanwhile, continues to search for consistency. The Bulls were without guard Ayo Dosunmu due to a thumb injury, while several rotation players remained on minutes restrictions. Coby White led Chicago with 20 points, and Kevin Huerter added 16 off the bench in his return from injury, but the loss marked the Bulls’ eighth defeat in nine games. Both teams entered the contest having snapped seven-game losing streaks on Friday, making Sunday’s matchup a test of momentum neither side could fully seize—except, this time, New Orleans.