A Chris-Paul masterpiece in the fourth neighborhood has saved the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of the finest series against the New Orleans Pelicans. The top-seed of Western Conference has long under control before the Pels bring the favorites to sweat again – just not the point God.
- Phoenix Suns (1) – New Orleans Pelicans (8) 110: 99 (Boxscore)
- Chris Paul saves the Suns after strong pelicans comeback
- NBA playoffs: Suns vs. Pelicans – the series at a glance (1-0)
Phoenix Suns (1) – New Orleans Pelicans (8) 110: 99 (Boxscore)
Paul, who celebrates his 37th birthday in a good two and a half weeks, scored 19 of his 30 points in the fourth neighborhood and thus put the COMEBACK hopes of the Pelicans a sudden end. CP3 discovered the defense of the guests and hit outstanding 12/16 out of the field (4/6 threesome), placing 10 assists and grabbed 7 rebounds as well as 3 steals. According to espn Stats & Info, he is now the oldest player with 30 and 10 assists in a playoff game.
Previously, Devin Booker (25 and 8 Assists), Deandre Ayton (21, 9 Rebounds and 4 Blocks), Cam Johnson (13 by the bank) and the suffocating Suns defense will play the gathering a meantime 23-point leadership. The game seemed almost decided at halftime before New Orleans started the comeback and shortened down to 6 meter residue. Only on Paul did not answer any answer.
C.J. McCollum (25 and 6 Assists, 9/25 FG) was significantly improved after the side change, Jonas Valanciunas led the strong work on the boards (18 and 25 rebounds, including 13 offensive rebounds), which in 29: 7 seconds Chance points resulted. The bank for Larry Nance Jr. (14) had a large proportion of the comeback of the guests, Brandon Ingram came to 18 points (6/17 FG).
The one-week break for the Suns did not do anything for Booker, the Suns Guard started directly with two threes in the early minutes, then he shone as a Playmaker. In addition, the SunS defense gave the guests hardly air to breathe (the Pelicans started 3/15 FG), McCollum was hardly land against Dpoy candidate Bridges. According to one-sided, the first quarter, where, of course, the Suns with Cam Johnson by Alley-Oop followed by a Booker-Stepback for the highlights. 28:16 for Phoenix.
Chris Paul saves the Suns after strong pelicans comeback
Turnover of the Suns as well as offensive rebounds of the Pelicans prevented that it was not even more clearly. In the middle of the second portion, the strong defense of Ayton as well as Bridges and excellent ball movement in attack but for more than a comfortable guided tour, the Ayton excluded a threesome shortly before the end of the first half to 22 points. The Suns had everything under control, it went with 53:34 in the half-time break – less points have not achieved the Pelicans in half the whole season over.
After all, the Pelicans did not stop after the side change and could not be stopped by Ayton monster blocks. An 18: 4-run towards the end of the third quarter led by the Pelicans Bank brought even tension back to the game, the residue was only 71:79 to start the fourth passage. In the third quarter, New Orleans scored more points than in the complete first half (37).
Suns-coach Monty Williams criticized during the quarter break, the Pelicans could make it offense, what they wanted. After initial problems, McCollum was now hot, but Phoenix could rely on Paul. CP3 delivered on the other side three times in a row ice cold an answer from downtown. With a Layup he had achieved 17 of the last 19 Suns points himself and thus brought his colors back to +14.
The defense also acted with significantly more intensity, Bridges once again took McCollum to the chain. According to espn, Nola met in direct duel with the forward 2/16 from the field, McCollum was at 0/9 FG. Of course, Paul, who wiped all doubts aside with another Drive in the final minute. Game 2 also takes place in Phoenix at night on Wednesday.
NBA playoffs: Suns vs. Pelicans – the series at a glance (1-0)
| Game | Date | Time | Home | Away | result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 18. April | 3 o’clock | Phoenix Suns | New Orleans Pelicans | 110: 99 |
| 2 | 20. April | 4 o’clock | Phoenix Suns | New Orleans Pelicans | – |
| 3 | 23. April | 3:30 pm | New Orleans Pelicans | Phoenix Suns | – |
| 4 | 25. April | 3:30 pm | New Orleans Pelicans | Phoenix Suns | – |
| 5 * | 27. April | TBD | Phoenix Suns | New Orleans Pelicans | – |
| 6 * | 29. April | TBD | New Orleans Pelicans | Phoenix Suns | – |
| 7 * | 1. May | TBD | Phoenix Suns | New Orleans Pelicans | – |
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