One of the most apparent on-court developments since Zion Williamson’s debut this season for the Pelicans has been his immediate chemistry with point guard Lonzo Ball. From the moment he stepped onto the court, Ball and Williamson have appeared to be on the same wavelength, leading to their highlight reel alley-oops.
During Tuesday’s game against the Lakers, the Pelicans tweeted out an incredible stat of Williamson and Ball’s time together. Since Williamson’s debut in late January, nearly one-third of Ball’s assists in that span have gone to his new rookie forward teammate.
Ball and Williamson’s chemistry isn’t terribly surprising. Both of them have a tremendous feel for the game. The most glaring example of that on the court is how quickly Williamson and Ball have been able to nail down the reverse spin alley-oop.
The move is most commonly associated with Shaquille O’Neal as he perfected the move in Los Angeles. The timing of the move paired with the athleticism and precision needed means it’s hard to master and rare to see. But Williamson and Ball’s connection has led to the sequence happening at least once a game with more and more instances of it happening as they spend more time on the court together.
