Phoenix SunsOpen full analysis
New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
The Phoenix Suns defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 115–108 on December 26 at Smoothie King Center, with Devin Booker leading all scorers with 30 points while Mikal Williams added 24 in a fourth-quarter offensive surge. Phoenix shot 48.4 percent from the field and made 8 three-pointers, controlling the glass with 52 rebounds and distributing 26 assists to overcome 17 turnovers. New Orleans, led by Zion Williamson's 20 points and Trey Murphy III's 19, shot just 44.3 percent and made only 5 threes despite a strong third quarter that yielded 32 points. The decisive fourth quarter saw Phoenix outscore the Pelicans 34–28, extending an offensive rating advantage (111.7 to 101.4) that proved decisive. The 223 combined points fell shy of the 241.5 Vegas total, as New Orleans' defensive effort—10 steals and a 111.7 defensive rating—couldn't fully contain Phoenix's balanced attack. The win solidifies the Suns' standing in the Western Conference race.
