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Pelicans' Flight Grounded by Suns' Scorching Offense in Home Court Battle

The New Orleans Pelicans, with a record of 45-30, faced off against the Phoenix Suns, who came into the game with a 44-31 record. In an intense matchup at the Smoothie King Center, the Suns emerged victorious with a final score of 124-111.


NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 1:  Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns warms up before the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on April 1, 2024 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

The Pelicans started strong in the first quarter scoring 28 points but were overshadowed by the Suns' explosive 46 points. The home team's efforts continued through the second quarter adding another 26 to their tally while holding the Suns to 28. After halftime, New Orleans rallied and outscored Phoenix by ten points in the third quarter, netting an impressive 36 points. However, both teams scored equally in the fourth quarter with each adding just 21 to their totals.


New Orleans showcased resilience throughout as they managed to draw more fouls than their opponents (21), which translated into more free throw attempts (24). However, they struggled from the line shooting only at a rate of about two-thirds success. From beyond the arc, they fared better hitting at a rate of over two-fifths on their three-point attempts (27) and making eleven.


NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 1:  Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans goes for the tipoff against Jusuf Nurkic #20 of the Phoenix Suns on April 1, 2024 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

On defense though, New Orleans had challenges; they recorded only one block compared to six from Phoenix and also trailed behind in total rebounds grabbing just forty-four against sixty by their opponents. Despite these setbacks and being behind for most of this game – leading for only about one minute – they showed tenacity on steals with ten takeaways.


Offensively for New Orleans was notable as well; they dominated inside scoring sixty points within paint outstripping Phoenix's forty-two. Their bench contributed significantly too chipping in twenty-five points which provided some depth against Phoenix's nine bench points.


NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 1:  Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans warms up before the game against the Phoenix Suns on April 1, 2024 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

Looking ahead for fans of The Pelicans is another opportunity to support their team when they host Orlando Magic at Smoothie King Center on April 3rd at 7:00 PM CT. This upcoming game will be broadcasted locally on BSNO and BSFL networks where fans can tune in to follow The Pelicans as they continue their season campaign.

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