PHOENIX -- The injuries have taken a toll on Zion Williamson during his six-year NBA career. So have the losses.

But on nights like Thursday, there are tantalizing reminders of how much talent the 2019 No. 1 pick still possesses.

Williamson had 27 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists for his first career triple-double in the New Orleans Pelicans' 124-116 win over the Phoenix Suns. The Pelicans have won three straight games, matching their longest streak of the season.

"It's a reminder to the NBA, to the fans, to everybody," Pelicans coach Willie Green said. "This is who he can be, night in and night out. That's what we're all striving to accomplish as a group. We're striving to get our best player on the floor."

Williamson grabbed his 10th rebound with 1:36 left, setting off a celebration by his teammates. The bruising 6-foot-6, 284-pound forward -- whose playing time is limited as the Pelicans try to keep him healthy -- needed only 31 minutes on the court to achieve the triple-double.

"It's dope," Williamson said. "It's funny, there have been so many times when I felt it could have happened, but I never forced the issue. Tonight, my teammates were like, 'No, you've got to get it tonight.'

"So I got to thank my coach and my teammates."

Williamson's big night was an encouraging moment in a tough season. Even after their three-game winning streak, the Pelicans have a 16-43 record and are far out of the playoff hunt.

One of the biggest reasons the Pelicans have struggled is because Williamson sat out about two months because of a hamstring injury, adding to a litany of medical issues since he was selected with the No. 1 pick out of Duke. But the potential is obvious -- he has been an All-Star in the two seasons in which he has played at least 60 games.

Key questions surrounding Williamson -- who is under contract for three more seasons -- have centered on his health, maturity and even his commitment. At times, he has struggled with his weight and conditioning.

This season, he was suspended one game after repeated violations of team policies, the tipping point was being late for a team flight.

Against the Suns, none of that mattered. He made two tough buckets in the paint down the stretch to help the Pelicans seal the victory and his 11 assists matched a career high. He made 13 of 17 shots and joined Steven Adams (2021) as the only Pelicans players with 75% shooting in a triple-double.

"He was fantastic and carried us down the stretch," Green said. "He's been amazing."

And here's the thing: Williamson is still only 24 years old. He's averaging 24.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.7 assists this season -- all around his career highs -- despite playing about 28 minutes per night.

"These nights are big for the confidence and a reminder of who I am," Williamson said.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.