Best team of the regular season, the Phoenix Suns had a bad night last Tuesday. They had been surprised at home by the New Orleans Pelicans, ninth in the Western Conference, and had also lost Devin Booker, their star player, injured in a hamstring. But on Friday, Phoenix reacted and won (114-111) in Louisiana, during game 3. The Suns thus regained the advantage in the series which opposes them to the Pelicans, by two sets to one.
Dominant Phoenix at money-time
After a balanced first quarter, the Arizona franchise had widened a gap (59-48) at the break. But the Pelicans were able to react and were only led by two points (81-79) at the end of the third quarter. One followed hands and hands ultimately won by Phoenix. Just over three minutes from the buzzer, the Suns took a narrow lead (100-95) that their opponent was never able to recover. In the dying seconds, Phoenix secured its gap on a series of free throws from Mikal Bridges. The last shot from CJ McCollum (New Orleans) then came too late.
Sans Booker, Paul et Ayton portent Phoenix
Without Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns were able to count on Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton, both authors of 28 points. Paul had 19 points in the fourth quarter alone and had 14 assists as well, without being intercepted. Ayton also scored a double-double, with 17 rebounds. In the ranks of the New Orleans Pelicans, Brandon Ingram (34 points) and CJ McCollum (30 pts) were effective. The two teams will meet again for Game 4 on Sunday, once again in Louisiana.