New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
Phoenix SunsOpen full analysis
The Phoenix Suns edged the New Orleans Pelicans 118–116 on March 6 at Footprint Center in a closely contested matchup that fell short of the Vegas total of 228.5. Devin Booker led the Suns with 32 points while Jalen Green contributed 25, combining to power Phoenix's offensive effort. The Suns shot 44.4 percent from the field and connected on 20 three-pointers, generating a 119.9 offensive rating despite 12 turnovers. New Orleans, led by Trey Murphy III's 22 points and Saddiq Bey's 19, kept pace with a 44.6 field-goal percentage and 42 rebounds to Phoenix's 41, but the Pelicans' fourth-quarter surge—35 points—came too late after the Suns controlled the second and third quarters with 32 and 34 points respectively. The Pelicans' 14 turnovers and 10 three-pointers made proved costly in a two-point defeat that hinged on execution down the stretch. The Suns' defensive rating of 119.2 held firm enough to secure the win, keeping Phoenix competitive in the playoff race.
