With the defenses in place, the match begins slowly. The Suns have the will to run and that already makes the difference against the very clumsy Pelicans from afar. They rely on Zion Williamson near the circle, but it's too little against the shots of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Phoenix takes control with an 11-0 (26-19).
With a defense that has stepped up a notch, stealing balls, and shots falling in, the Pelicans have an excellent start to the second quarter against Frank Vogel's replacements. A 12-0 allows them to return to equality. The baskets rained down for New Orleans which returned to the locker room with a six-point lead (50-56).
The third quarter, especially its second part, resembles a Zion Williamson – Kevin Durant duel. The first even defends against the second, and with his power, he makes a difference in attack when “KD” also scores a few baskets, with free throws (83-90).
It's Bradley Beal who is responsible for bringing the Suns back into the game at the start of the last act. The former Wizard is impeccable and, to resist, the Pelicans can count on Zion Williamson who rejects several shots with ferocity. Then, he scored the basket which sealed the victory for his team, thirty seconds from time (105-113).
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– A playoff match before its time. From the first moments, we felt that this meeting was not a simple game at the end of the regular season. There was a lot at stake, and the defenses took precedence over the attacks and every action was contested. There were many hits and contacts, players often ended up on the ground and this foreshadows matches to come in a few days, when the serious things will begin.
– Zion Williamson, a taste for effort. Everyone had their eyes on Devin Booker, used to 50-point games against the Pelicans. Then, during the game, it was CJ McCollum who was very good with his winning shots. But the player of the match is clearly Zion Williamson. He gave his all in defense like no other, notably with several big counterattacks in the last quarter, tried to save balls, and went for difficult offensive rebounds. In short, with 29 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 blocks, the star put in a great performance.
– Phoenix still maintains control in the rankings. With this success for New Orleans, the two teams have the same record: 46-32. But Phoenix won the season series (two victories to one), and Bradley Beal and his gang for the moment keep the precious sixth place, qualifying for the playoffs, ahead of the Pelicans.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
