Preface
When the Lakers faced a sweep in the playoffs, but stubbornly defeated the Nuggets in Game 4 to make the series 1-3, their fighting spirit won the applause of the fans.
In stark contrast, the Pelicans' back-to-back routs have exposed their shortcomings in three consecutive defeats, two of which were defeats.
Among them, Zion's absence has undoubtedly become the focus of heated discussions among fans, and the talented young player who chose not to return due to a hamstring strain cannot help but put a question mark on his professional attitude and sense of responsibility.
This isn't the first time he's missed a key game due to injury, and his health seems to be a ticking time bomb for the Pelicans' record and playoff prospects.
Although Zion saved some face for the team with free throws late in the game, fans and media who followed his injury could not ignore the impact of his absence.
The details of Zion's injury during the broadcast of the game were not clearly explained, which also made the outside world speculate and question his injury endlessly.
Some extreme fans have even come up with conspiracy theories that the Pelicans received a call from the league and deliberately arranged for Zion to leave the court with an injury in order to keep the Lakers in the open.
In the face of questions and speculation from the outside world, Pelicans coach Willie Green gave a clear response in the post-game interview, emphasizing that Zion did get injured during the game, and his left leg was sore, requiring further imaging tests.
While this response provides support for the reality of Zion's injury, it has not completely quelled the outside world, and injuries and conspiracy theories are always present in professional sports.
As the game progressed, the broadcasters also provided a clearer picture of Zion's injury, showing obvious leg discomfort after the goal, and then signaling to the bench for a substitution.
This series of images undoubtedly provides strong proof of Zion's injury, and also makes those conspiracy theorists have nothing to say, even if the fact of Zion's injury is confirmed, his image in the hearts of fans has been greatly reduced.
Originally, Pelicans fans and management had high hopes for him, expecting him to lead the team to glory through a contract extension and the other core players of the team to form a triumvirate with the rest of the team's core players.
Frequent injuries have made this unattainable, and Zion's absence from the game due to injury has also been criticized by some fans and media for a lack of leadership and responsibility.
What's even more embarrassing is that Zion's large contract extension just signed has now become a burden that he can't get rid of.
Originally, this contract was a recognition of his strength and potential, but now it has become one of the "biggest garbage contracts in the NBA" because of his injury problems.
This is not only a blow to Zion personally, but also a serious blow to the Pelicans' future plans in a basketball league where competitive and commercial are intertwined.
Each player's physical condition and competitive condition is like a barometer of the team, directly affecting the team's performance and interests, in such an environment.
Zion's injury problem is not just a personal challenge for him, but a serious test for the future of the Pelicans, which is full of uncertainty.
Zion's absence has severely affected the Pelicans' tactical system, and the overall strength of the team has also been greatly reduced, and in a highly competitive league, such a dilemma is undoubtedly a serious test for the team.
And the fans, they can't accept this reality. They were eager to see Zion on the field, but the reality was brutal and injuries made it all out of reach.
We should also recognize that injuries are an unavoidable part of basketball players, and in this competitive and confrontational sport, injuries are always around.
Instead of being too harsh on the players, we should be more understanding and supportive, they are ordinary people who are also suffering from injuries.
Zion's injury issue isn't just a personal challenge for him, it's a test for the Pelicans and the league as a whole, and we need to look at it with a more tolerant and understanding mindset.
At the same time, it is also necessary to pay more attention to and protect the physical and mental health of players, and the future of Zion is still full of unknowns.
Will he be able to recover from his injury and regain his form, and how will the Pelicans respond to the impact of his absence?
end
These questions will become the suspense and highlights of the next game, and for us fans, the only thing we can do is to continue to follow the game and look forward to every wonderful moment.
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