Zion Williamson dunks in warmups despite not being ready to play in critical game

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The New Orleans Pelicans’ season is over, and controversy over one of the team’s most polarizing players has begun. 

Zion Williamson was not available for a must-win matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA play-in tournament. But he didn't look like he was injured in his pregame workout.

Williamson threw down a windmill dunk during his workout before the game, and it got many people questioning whether he’s actually hurt. 

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Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans prepares to shoot a free throw during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers Jan. 2, 2023, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Williamson was also making hard, explosive moves on the court and was hitting shots with a trainer defending him. So, it didn’t appear his right hamstring, which he injured in January, was bothering him much. 

He also said it wasn’t on Tuesday.

PELICANS STAR ZION WILLIAMSON OPENS UP ABOUT HIS STRUGGLES WITH INJURIES: ‘IT’S BEEN FRUSTRATING'

"Physically, I’m fine," Williamson said, via The Associated Press. "Now, it’s a matter of when I fee like Zion."

What exactly is feeling like Zion?

"I can pretty much do everything, but it’s just a matter of the level that I was playing at before my hamstring," Williamson said. "I don’t want to go out there and be in my own head and affect the team when I can just be on the sideline supporting them more because I know myself. If I was to go out there, I would be in my head. I would hesitate on certain moves, and it could affect the game."

Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans during the