Devin Booker Sparks Suns 131-115 Win Over Pelicans

Two Jose Alvarado free throws pulled the New Orleans Pelicans to within six at the 1:27 mark of the third quarter. Then Devin Booker hit two big shots to close out the quarter and the Phoenix Suns eventually pulled away for the 131-115 road win in the Smoothie King Center.

Pelicans Head Coach Willie Green admitted after the game those Booker’s shots, “are buckets that are demoralizing. You are right there. You are looking to get over the hump, and he comes down and hits shots like that."

The Pelicans did receive good news before the game. CJ McCollum was available to play after multiple negative COVID tests. He looked refreshed in posting 21 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds while shooting 9/16 from the field. Though the loss is tough, seeing McCollum back to form before facing three teams with losing records on the upcoming road trip is an encouraging sign.

The frequent turnovers were demoralizing. New Orleans committed 17 turnovers which led to 33 points for the Suns. McCollum accounted for five. Jonas Valancuinas (3) and Her Jones (2) gave Phoenix another handful of possessions.

Herb Jones (22 points, 5 rebounds) admitted the turnovers were frustrating. They disrupted the flow of the offense and the team “just could not get back in transition.” He also explained the injuries made it hard to build chemistry “and learn where guys like to get their shots, where they are comfortable at on the floor but I feel like we’ve adjusted and done the most with what we have.”

The Suns hit all 15 of their free throws while shooting 18/34 (52.9%) from three-point range. Phoenix made 11 in the first half alone. The Pelicans made 12 all game. Devonte’ Graham (3/11, 10 points) made two three-pointers but only one other shot all night. Monty Williams had his team up 23 before coasting in for a comfortable win.

The Pelicans still sit in the 10th spot of the West after the loss. They are 1.5 games behind the Los Angeles Lakers but hold just a one-game lead over the Portland Trail Blazers. Now they have two days to regroup before traveling to face the San Antonio Spurs on Friday.

Green knew this game would be a tough test. Still, the Pelicans control their destiny to host an NBA Playoffs Play-In game. That’s why he told his team afterward to keep their heads up. He added, “We’re in a great spot. We went out and competed tonight. We played hard but we made some mistakes. We’re grateful to have CJ back, but he’s knocking off some rust as well. It’s just a part of adjusting."