New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson made a terrible mistake that ultimately cost his team the game during the final moments of Friday night's NBA game in Houston.
It happened with 7.6 seconds remaining in regulation with the Rockets holding a 105-104 lead. The Pelicans had the ball with Williamson on the sideline ready to make the inbounds pass for the chance to win the game. Williamson guessed that forward Herbert Jones was going to break free from his defender and make a move towards halfcourt, so Zion threw a bounce pass straight across the court towards the opposite sideline.
However, Jones was tied up with Rockets forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who had his hands all over him and knocked him off balance. As a result, the inbounds pass from Zion went out of bounds on the opposite sideline as Jones was unable to recover his balance in time to save it.
Zion Williamson and Pelicans CHUCKED the ball out of bounds with the game on the line FOR NO REASON ðŸ˜ðŸ˜pic.twitter.com/Zcyx8ybohy
— Hater Report (@HaterReport) March 14, 2026
When executed well, game-winning plays off inbounds passes can be quite exciting. Unfortunately, this one went south in unexpected fashion.
Williamson had a solid game with 21 points, but that critical turnover was the difference in the game as the Rockets came away with the 107-105 victory.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports).
