Duke basketball one-and-dones provide two game-winning moments

Duke basketball legend Zion Williamson was ruled out of the New Orleans Pelicans' season opener on Wednesday night due to an illness that left Dejounte Murray fracturing his left hand, keeping the star rookie out of action indefinitely. Nonetheless, the franchise is now off to a 2-0 start after posting a 49-33 record in the last round, its most regular season wins in 15 years.

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Much of the credit goes to NBA Blue Devils forward Brandon Ingram.

After his 33-point performance in the Pelicans' 2024-25 opener, a 123-111 victory over the away Chicago Bulls, the starting signal for the Chicago Bulls' dramatic 105-103 away victory was given with 4.9 ticks to go the Portland Trail Blazers late Friday night:

And on Portland's ensuing possession, Williamson soared high and provided the perfectly timed finishing touch with the following straight-line hit-and-ditch in the paint as time expired and the Blazers suffered a crushing, crushing defeat:

Ingram finished his 35 minutes of play with 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block. Williamson played 29 minutes in what was undoubtedly an encouraging season debut, recording 16 points, 11 boards, seven dimes, one steal and four blocks.

The Pelicans and their up-and-coming Duke basketball duo — already three NBA All-Star selections in their careers between 24-year-old Zion Williamson and recently 27-year-old Brandon Ingram — remain in Portland to give the 6-year-old Blazers an immediate chance for revenge to offer pm ET Sunday.

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