The Pelicans (7-30) were hoping Williamson’s return could keep the momentum going from the past four days when the team won back-to-back games for just the second time this season.

Williamson put on a show, but the Pelicans dropped to a Western Conference-worst 7-30 with a loss to the Timberwolves.

Two big differences between then and now is the Philadelphia 76ers have played their way out of the top five, going 10-5 since Dec. 2 as they’ve gotten healthier, and the New Orleans Pelicans have closed the gap on the Wizards at the top, er… bottom?