The Phoenix Suns, the best team in the regular season in the NBA (with 64 wins against only 18 losses), had ideally launched their journey in the play-offs, beating the New Orleans Pelicans (110-99), Sunday at home. But, still in front of their audience, they were cold-picked by the Louisiana franchise (125-114), the lowest ranked of the eight Western Conference representatives competing in these play-offs on Tuesday.
Booker injured hamstring
In addition to this setback, the Suns mourned the loss of Devin Booker, their star guard and player. Five minutes from the end of the third quarter, the latter injured his hamstring in his right thigh and was forced to abandon his teammates. At this point in the game, the Pelicans were already having a tough time in Phoenix.
The Arizona franchise failed to get rid of their opponent. At the break, she was only five points ahead (61-56). New Orleans then took control of the match on a three-point shot from Brandon Ingram (69-67, 28th) and kept it until the buzzer. The Pelicans definitely took off, two minutes from the end of the game, with a 7-1 inflicted on the Suns, mainly thanks to Ingram.
Ingram not far from the triple-double
The New Orleans winger came close to a triple-double, with 37 points (13/21 in shooting including 3/3 at three points), 11 rebounds and nine assists. CJ McCollum also contributed to the victory with 23 points and a 6/10 three-pointer.
Before getting injured, Devin Booker had still had time to score 31 points for Phoenix … during the first period alone, with, for him too, a great success in long distance shooting (7/11). He also amused the public by performing a ”check”, with a very young spectator (see below).
Chris Paul, for his part, scored 17 points and delivered 14 assists. Mikal Bridges, who was one of three finalists for the season’s best defender trophy, scored 19 points. New Orleans and Phoenix will meet for Game 3 on Friday, in Louisiana this time.