Zion calls out Pels after latest blowout loss: 'Have to look yourself in mirror'

Zion Williamson called for accountability after the New Orleans Pelicans lost their fourth straight game, 145-111, to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night, saying the team needs to look itself in the mirror.

"Unacceptable," Williamson said after the game. "I don't even have a lot of words. Just unacceptable."

Williamson had 29 for the Pelicans, who have given up 138 points or more in three straight games, and have lost their last two by more than 30. New Orleans lost by a franchise-record 51 points, 138-87, to Golden State on Sunday night.

"As men we have to, as a unit, players, coaches, everybody, you have to go look yourself in the mirror when you by yourself and say did I do everything that I needed to do for my team?" Williamson said. "Did I do -- was I in the gaps on defense? Was I a low man when I was supposed to? Did I get out there and contest shots to make it tough on them? Did I do everything I needed to do? Did I give in real effort?

"That's what everybody has to do."

The loss dropped New Orleans to 4-8 on the season, another dismal start for a franchise that has made the playoffs just twice in the last eight years and hasn't won a playoff series since 2018.

Williamson himself has never appeared in a playoff game since he was drafted No. 1 overall by the Pelicans in 2019. Injuries have plagued the former Duke star throughout his career, although he appeared in 62 games last season and has missed just one game so far this year while averaging 21 points.

"I said nobody likes to lose like this but if we don't like to lose like this, we have to start with ourselves first," Williamson said. "Look in the mirror and say did I do what I needed to do for my team? Not individually. Did I do what I needed to do for my team? And then we go from there."

The Pelicans were missing starting wing Trey Murphy III for a second straight game with knee soreness. They next host the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.