by Rell Wright/Pelican Contributor

The New Orleans Pelicans faced off against the Orlando Magic, with the Magic emerging victorious with a final score of 122-105. The game marked a significant moment for Pelicans fans, as Zion Williamson returned to action after a prolonged absence due to a right hamstring injury suffered in January.

In his 16-minute appearance, Williamson made an impact with 12 points, five rebounds, and five assists, delighting the crowd with a thunderous two-handed dunk. The young star showcased his versatility with a variety of shots, including a running floater and a short turnaround, along with converting four free throws.

The Magic had a strong showing in their preseason opener, with Wendell Carter Jr. leading the way with 18 points in just 19 minutes of play. Paolo Banchero, another emerging talent, displayed his skills with a powerful one-handed dunk and contributed 12 points along with six rebounds.

Notably, the Magic’s rookies, including Jett Howard and Anthony Black, made valuable contributions to the team’s victory. Jordan Hawkins, the 14th overall pick for the Pelicans in the 2023 draft, showcased his potential by hitting his first 3-point attempt and finishing with nine points.

The game also marked the return of E.J. Liddell, who had missed his entire rookie season due to a major knee injury, and he made a positive impact by contributing two points in his 17 minutes on the court. Though it was a preseason matchup, the game offered a glimpse of the exciting talent on both teams, leaving fans eager for the regular season to begin.