Booker’s 52 powers Suns past Pelicans
In a pivotal match-up on Monday night, Devin Booker led the Phoenix Suns to a 124-111 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans by scoring an impressive 52 points, marking the second time this season he has hit this milestone against the same team.
The win has intensified the battle for playoff positions in the Western Conference, pulling the Suns within a game of the Pelicans for the crucial sixth spot, which secures a guaranteed playoff berth.
Adding to the Suns’ triumph, Kevin Durant contributed 20 points, while Jusuf Nurkic dominated both the boards and scoring with 19 points and 19 rebounds. Bradley Beal also played a significant role, adding 13 points to the team’s victory. This win allowed the Suns to claim the season series advantage over the Pelicans with one game still to play, setting up a high-stakes rematch in Phoenix on Sunday.
For the Pelicans, Zion Williamson stood out with a 30-point effort, supported by Trey Murphy III and CJ McCollum, who contributed 21 and 15 points, respectively.
In other NBA action, the Boston Celtics emerged victorious against the Charlotte Hornets with a 118-104 win, fueled by Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser, who each scored 25 points. Kristaps Porzingis added 20 points to help the Celtics secure their position at the top of the NBA standings.
Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic narrowly escaped a defeat from the Portland Trail Blazers with a 104-103 victory, despite nearly squandering a 15-point lead in the second half. Franz Wagner led the Magic with 20 points, ensuring their playoff ambitions remained intact.
The Memphis Grizzlies edged out the Detroit Pistons 110-108, thanks to a stellar 40-point performance from Jaren Jackson Jr. This win was crucial for the Grizzlies, who had been struggling with losses in their recent outings.
In another conference battle, the Atlanta Hawks overcame the Chicago Bulls 113-101, moving closer to the playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. The Hawks’ success was highlighted by a balanced scoring effort and effective three-point shooting.
Closing out the night, the Indiana Pacers decisively defeated the Brooklyn Nets 133-111, with Tyrese Haliburton leading the way with a 27-point, 13-assist double-double. This win showcased the Pacers’ ability to dominate the game early and maintain their lead throughout.
