NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Zion Williamson returned to the New Orleans Pelicans' lineup on Wednesday night, scoring 14 points in a 125-118 loss to the Denver Nuggets .

Williamson played 29 minutes after missing eight games with a strained left hamstring. He also had six rebounds, five assists, a steal and a blocked shot.

“He was great. He got us off to a really good start,” Pelicans interim coach James Borrego said, referring to the Pelicans’ 23-10, first-quarter lead.

“More than anything, just having Zion out there for our spirit as a team, as a city, as an organization, is phenomenal," Borrego said. “We feel like we’ve got a shot every night when he’s on the floor.”

Borrego said his staff was mindful of Williamson's minutes and didn't want to overexert him in his first action since Nov. 2.

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