Second game this weekend between Suns and Pelicans? Second straight win for New Orleans (129-124 after overtime). Led by a dream duo Zion Williamson – CJ McCollum, the Louisiana residents were scared but secured the main thing: a 7th consecutive victory, and a well-established buttocks at the top of the Western Conference.
This Friday’s game had people talking, talk a lot.
Between Zion Williamson’s 360 mill to end the game, the scuffles between players at the buzzer and the post-game statements, all we wanted was for this Sunday’s game to take place. Bonus of the calendar, 9:30 p.m. in France, so the opportunity for everyone to enjoy the New Orleans phenomenon. Yes, we are talking about a phenomenon, because even if the Pelicans confirm their excellent last season, who saw them at the top of the Western Conference at Christmas? Without shaking, once again, Naji Marshall’s friends did the job.
The Suns, orphans of Devin Booker, could still count on a very good Deandre Ayton (28 points, 12 rebounds), as well as the activity of Mikal Bridges (27 points) and the hustle of Torrey Craig. Never too far behind, these combative Suns were not even far from the upset when they saw Chris Paul come out of his bad evening (3/10 shooting) to force an extension.
But if they were never too far behind, Monty Williams’ men were never really threatening either.
And facing a still evil Zion Williamson, well accompanied by CJ McCollum and his boys, the Pelicans did the job in overtime.
The end of the world :pic.twitter.com/Ksx7sIfwIR
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) December 11, 2022
35 points on 21 shots for the tank on legs of New Orleans, 29 points for McCollum, but if we summed up this victory to these two men it would be unfair.
And that’s the strength of these Pelicans, counting on everyone’s efforts to win.
Average Trey Murphy tonight? No problem, rookie Dyson Daniels treats both sides of the field (11 points, 8 assists).
Jonas Valanciunas manhandled by Ayton this Sunday? Come on, send Larry Nance Jr who will complete the job (15-7-4-4-2).
Even Naji Marshall, far from being the most mentioned of the boys from Louisiana, also went there with his precious points off the bench. In a room full to bursting and who only wanted one thing, the killing of the Suns and Chris Paul, it was therefore without trembling that the local stars took care of the job in overtime. It was necessary to take advantage of Ayton’s 6 faults, as well as the exit of CP3 also for 6 personal. We had to lock the hoop, continue to make the effort, and not fall into the stereotype of the young team that can’t finish the deal.
New Orleans has only done what New Orleans has been doing all season: find a way to win their games. Zion Williamson can continue his wonders, between him and the teammates around him, these Pelicans are a collective and exciting basketball gem to watch every night.