New Orleans Pelicans’ interim boss James Borrego welcomed the return of “phenomenal” Zion Williamson, despite their defeat to the Denver Nuggets.

The Pelicans suffered their seventh consecutive loss after going down 125-118 at Smoothie King Center, where Nikola Jokic and Peyton Watson played starring roles for Denver with 28 and 32 points respectively.

However, a huge positive for New Orleans saw Williamson back in action for the first time since he was diagnosed with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain earlier this month.

Williamson recorded 14 points, six rebounds and five assists in his first appearance in nine games, and Borrego was thrilled to see him back out there. 

tonight’s final. pic.twitter.com/gal7YbnpSD

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 20, 2025

“It was great,” the interim coach said. “He got us off to a really good start. His energy, just having Zion out there for our spirit as a team, as a city, as an organisation, is phenomenal.

“We feel like we got a shot every night when he is on the floor. I think we started the game with that mentality, and we fought to the end.

“He looked good, he looked impressive. The game plan was built around him, and he was a willing passer. He gave it up. They showed him bodies, and he generated a lot of quality shots for us. [I am] really impressed by his first game back.”

“Even though I was the leading scorer of the game [for the Pelicans], Z’s presence out there is huge,” added rookie center Derik Queen, who chipped in with a career-high 30 points.

“Having [Williamson] out there, [the Nuggets] keep an eye on him, and they trust me to play my game.”