On Wednesday night, the New Orleans Pelicans faced a Shorthanded Warriors team playing without Steph Curry, Andrew Wiggins and D’Anthony Melton. Despite the absence of several starters for Golden State, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans to get blown out by 20 points.

After the disappointing loss, Zion spoke very candidly about his recent struggles and his 5/20 performance against the Warriors.

“We just have to find our rhythm, especially me offensively. I just have to get there. I don’t put it on anyone else. I take full responsibility for it,” Zion said. “The last match, I had more success because I was more patient. Tonight, I forced it.”

Even though Zion is only 24 years old, it’s very clear that he’s starting to get frustrated with the narratives surrounding his name. If anything, it appears the young two-time All-Star has an extra chip on his shoulder.

“I see this story every year,” Zion said. “That’s the way it is. People don’t move with me. They say this. They say that. It’s part of the game. Personally, (I think) it should stay like that when the script is flipped.”

Over the past few seasons, it has looked like the Pelicans will be a potential contender on paper. Yet every year the team suffers unfortunate injuries that prevent them from making the playoffs. The team has already lost its new asset in Dejounte Murray early on, but now is the time to move on. With upcoming games against the Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trail Blazers, the opportunities are plentiful.