Pelicans coach rips Magic player for diving into Zion Williamson's legs

Williamson didn’t appear to suffer any ill effects from the dive but left in the fourth quarter with a finger injury as New Orleans lost 117-108.

Speaking with reporters at practice on Thursday, Green publicly called out Harris for the move.

“They don’t even allow that in football,” said Green, per Christian Clark of the New Orleans Advocate. “I know somebody said [Harris] slipped. When I went back and watched, even when he slipped, he still lunged at Z’s legs.”

“He took him out,” Green added. “It’s the same thing as my intentions may be to go for a block. But if I slap you across the face, they normally give you a flagrant for that.”

Indeed, it was unnecessary for Harris to lunge low on Williamson like that. Though Williamson was making a move to the basket, there was no loose ball, and the halfcourt defense was already set behind Harris.

The 45-31 Magic are known for their very physical brand of defense. The Pelicans were also probably especially sore since Brandon Ingram suffered a multi-week injury on a contact play during their last game against the Magic.