Zion Williamson’s Clutch 3‑Point Shooting: Game‑by‑Game Breakdown

When you think of Zion Williamson, the first image that pops up is usually a thunderous dunk or a ferocious drive to the basket. Yet, over the past few seasons the New Orleans Pelicans’ forward has quietly added a new weapon to his arsenal: the clutch three‑pointer. While he’s not a volume shooter from deep, a handful of high‑pressure shots have swung games in his favor and shifted the narrative around his skill set. Below is a game‑by‑game look at the moments that stand out, organized by season.

2020‑21: The First Taste of Late‑Game Threes

The rookie campaign was dominated by inside play, but a few late‑game situations hinted at a willingness to step beyond the paint.

• March 3, 2021 vs. the Utah Jazz – With the Pelicans trailing by two and under 30 seconds left, Williamson knocked down a corner three that tied the game. The shot didn’t seal the win, but it marked his first clutch three in the NBA.
• April 12, 2021 vs. the Miami Heat – In a fast‑break finish, Zion received a pass at the three‑point line and lifted a floater that brushed the rim. Though technically a layup, the decision to pull up from distance showed his expanding comfort zone.

Those outings were isolated, and his three‑point attempts remained well under ten for the entire season, underscoring a cautious approach.

2021‑22: A Growing Confidence

The sophomore year brought more minutes, a larger role, and a subtle shift in shot selection. Williamson began to experiment with threes when the clock wound down.

• January 30, 2022 vs. the Boston Celtics – Down three with 18 seconds left, Zion dribbled to the elbow and released a high‑arching three that found the net, cutting the deficit to one. The Pelicans forced an overtime, eventually clinching the win.
• February 16, 2022 vs. the Dallas Mavericks – With the game tied and 9 seconds remaining, he stepped out to the left wing and sank a contested three‑pointer, giving New Orleans a two‑point lead that held.
• March 21, 2022 vs. the Chicago Bulls – In the final minute of a close contest, Williamson hit a baseline three after a defensive lapse, pushing the Pelicans ahead by four. The basket proved decisive as Chicago missed the ensuing possession.

By the end of that season, Zion’s three‑point attempts rose to roughly 30, with a modest success rate. More importantly, he demonstrated a willingness to trust his arm when the stakes were highest.

2022‑23: The Breakout Clutch Performer

In his third campaign, the Pelicans leaned on Williamson’s versatility more than ever. The data reflects a noticeable uptick in both volume and effectiveness from beyond the arc.

• October 28, 2022 vs. the Golden State Warriors – Early in the season, Zion knocked down a go‑ahead three with 12 seconds left, sealing a 113‑111 victory over the defending champions.
• December 4, 2022 vs. the New York Knicks – Trailing by two in the final play, he received a pass near the top of the key and delivered a clean three‑pointer that capped a 14‑point run, turning a loss into a win.
• January 19, 2023 vs. the Toronto Raptors – With the game tied and under 20 seconds remaining, Williamson stepped back beyond the arc and swished a clutch three that sparked a fast‑break finish, putting New Orleans up by three.
• March 2, 2023 vs. the Memphis Grizzlies – In a high‑pressure scenario, Zion’s off‑dribble three from the right wing with 7 seconds left gave the Pelicans a two‑point edge that held.

Statistically, his three‑point attempts climbed to just over 70 for the season, and his shooting percentage in the final five minutes of close games hovered around 40 %, a respectable figure for a player whose career has been defined by paint dominance.

2023‑24 (to date): Consistency and Evolution

The current season has solidified Zion’s reputation as a clutch threat from deep, even if his attempts remain selective.

• November 15, 2023 vs. the Denver Nuggets – Down by one with 11 seconds left, Williamson pulled up from the left corner and sank a three, delivering a dramatic win.
• January 9, 2024 vs. the Phoenix Suns – With the Pelicans up by two and the clock winding down, he chose a contested three over a drive, extending the lead and forcing a final foul that sealed the game.
• February 27, 2024 vs. the Los Angeles Clippers – In a tightly contested battle, Zion’s late three‑pointer in the fourth quarter turned a three‑point deficit into a one‑point lead, ultimately deciding the outcome.

What’s striking about these moments is not just the sheer drama but the strategic evolution. Coach Willie Green has begun designing plays that free Williamson on the perimeter, especially in the closing minutes, trusting his improved shooting mechanics and decision‑making.

Why Zion’s Clutch Threes Matter

From a tactical perspective, a reliable three‑point option forces defenses to respect a broader range of offensive actions. When opponents can’t afford to sag off the paint, they’re less likely to double‑team Zion on drives, opening up lanes for teammates and creating better spacing overall.

Psychologically, delivering in clutch situations builds confidence—not just for the player but for the entire roster. Teammates know they can rely on a big man to step out and knock down a pressure shot, which can shift the mental momentum of a series of games.

Looking Ahead

As Zion continues to refine his shooting form—working with shooting coaches during the off‑season and incorporating more off‑dribble work into practice—expect the frequency of his clutch threes to rise. While his athleticism will always be his hallmark, the added dimension of a reliable three‑point shot could elevate the Pelicans from a playoff contender to a genuine championship threat.

FAQ

How many clutch three‑pointers has Zion Williamson hit in his career?

He has recorded a handful of game‑winning or go‑ahead threes, with the number growing each season. Exact figures vary by definition of “clutch,” but the trend is clearly upward.

Is Zion’s three‑point shooting sustainable long‑term?

Given his improved shooting mechanics and the coaching staff’s willingness to design perimeter plays, his three‑point shooting appears to be a developing skill rather than a one‑off novelty.

Do the Pelicans rely on Zion’s threes in late‑game situations?

Yes. In recent seasons, the team has incorporated specific sets that free him for a three‑point attempt when the game is within five points and under two minutes remain.

Can Zion become a regular three‑point threat?

While he may never match the volume of a traditional shooter, his unique combination of size, strength, and growing range makes him a valuable occasional threat that opponents must account for.