Here are the scores, updates, and results of the NBA 2022-2023 Regular Season between the Phoenix Suns (PHX) and the New Orleans Pelicans (NOP) on December 18, 2022 (All times are in Philippine Standard Time) at the Footprint Center.
The Phoenix Suns defeat the New Orleans Pelicans on their home court as they came back from a big losing margin behind Booker’s brilliant performance.
Phoenix earned their two-game winning streak with glorious fashion, overcoming a 24-point New Orleans lead in the second half. The Suns struggled in the first half where they got outscored in both quarters, but then bounced back in the following half.
The Suns tallied 72 points while limiting the opposing squad to only score 51 points in the second half of the contest. Not only that, but they also won even though New Orleans was shooting 58% from the field while they converted 47% of their shots.
Devin Booker went blazing hot in the second half as they gradually take down New Orlean’s winning margin, knocking down unbalanced and difficult jumpers. At the end of the matchup, Booker tallied 58 big points while shooting 21-35 from the field, 6-12 from beyond the arc.
“Once I get it going a little bit, shooting over a hand is the right play,” Booker shared.
At one point, Booker dribbled towards the corner with two Pelicans chasing him before he raised up for an off-balance jump shot. Head coach Monty Williams was not certain if that was a great idea while they were still trailing in the game. But Booker still made that awkward shot.
“I couldn’t make that shot,” Williams said
Chris Paul added 18 points in the win while Bridges had 15 points.
As for the Pelicans, they are now facing a three-game losing slump after their heart-breaking loss against Phoenix. On the bright side, they are still sitting on the second spot of the western conference standings behind the Memphis Grizzlies.
Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 30 points and nine assists while shooting outstandingly well as he converted 12 of his 15 total attempts. CJ McCollum, who was on fire during the first half, ended with 27 points alongside eight dishes.
The Suns move up to 18-12 while the pelicans drop down to 18-11.
Suns vs Pelicans
34-27; 29-19; 26-38; 25-34
The scores:
Suns (118) – Booker 58, Paul 18, Bridges 15, Biyombo 11, Okogie 7
Pelicans (114) – Williamson 30, McCollum 27, Valanciunas 12, Marshall 11, Alvarado 10