The Phoenix Suns decisively clipped the wings of the New Orleans Pelicans with a commanding 123-109 victory on Friday night. The Suns’ triumph, fueled by Devin Booker’s scorching-hot scoring streak, marked their fourth consecutive win in a season that’s rapidly gaining momentum. Booker, the Suns’ shining star, erupted for a season-high 52 points in just 37 minutes, torching the Pelicans’ defense in what became his second consecutive 50-point showcase against New Orleans.
This scoring spree follows his 58-point explosion in a previous victory over the Pelicans back on December 17, 2022. Booker’s extraordinary performance saw him go 18-of-30 from the field, including a sharp 6-of-11 from beyond the arc, complemented by a flawless 10-for-10 at the free-throw line.
While Zion Williamson valiantly led the Pelicans with 24 points, the team struggled to find its rhythm, particularly from the three-point line where they faltered, missing 32 of 42 attempts. This lackluster shooting came as a stark contrast to their franchise-record 25 three-pointers in a recent rout of Charlotte. The Suns, on the other hand, showcased a clinic in efficiency, shooting 49.5% overall and building an insurmountable 30-point lead at one stage in the second half.
Kevin Durant contributed significantly with 26 points, while Jusuf Nurkic dominated the boards, pulling down 15 rebounds. The Suns’ commanding lead peaked at 23 points in the second quarter, though the Pelicans managed a brief resurgence, cutting the deficit to 17 at halftime, thanks to a spirited 7-0 run highlighted by Trey Murphy III’s three-pointer and Williamson’s alley-oop dunk. The Pelicans, now licking their wounds, look ahead to hosting the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night, hoping to rebound from this setback.
