Zion Williamson highlighted a 24-point, 14-rebound performance with an array of thunderous dunks during a dominant fourth-quarter stint, and the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Utah Jazz 136-123 on Friday night to open a two-game set.

Zion Williamson has been one of the biggest teases in the NBA. The New Orleans Pelicans forward has had lots of trouble staying healthy, but when he has been healthy, he has played at nearly a superstar level and has been nearly unguardable in the paint.

The theory of Zion Williamson is tantalizing. Once described by the great Shea Serrano as "a rhino who learned how to fly," the forward is a rare mixture of speed, power, touch (on his left hand, anyway) and spring-heeled elevation. At his best, Williamson can be the on-court offensive fulcrum and facilitate winning.

The New Orleans Pelicans have been waiting for Zion Williamson to return, and it sounds like he may be inching closer to playing.

Two big differences between then and now is the Philadelphia 76ers have played their way out of the top five, going 10-5 since Dec. 2 as they’ve gotten healthier, and the New Orleans Pelicans have closed the gap on the Wizards at the top, er… bottom?

Zion Williamson took the high road after he was suspended for a game by his New Orleans Pelicans. "This is my job, and they were holding me accountable," Williamson explained. "All I can do is be better.