New Orleans Pelicans push paint points as Phoenix Suns answer with 3-point volume at Mortgage Matchup Center

The New Orleans Pelicans left Phoenix at 20-45 after a 118-116 result against the Phoenix Suns, who moved to 36-27 at Mortgage Matchup Center. New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns recap centers on the Pels scoring 54 points in the paint while the Suns countered with 20 made 3-pointers.

First quarter

The Pelicans opened with 29 points in the first quarter while holding the Suns to 26. New Orleans posted 55 total rebounds in the road game, and that rebounding work helped keep the early edge within reach. Trey Murphy III scored 22 points for the Pels, and his 0 turnovers supported a clean possession start.

Second quarter

Phoenix won the second quarter 32-23, and the Suns built a biggest lead of 14 during the half’s swing. The Pelicans attempted 37 free throws and made 32, which kept the margin tight when the Valley increased shot volume to 90 field-goal attempts. Zion Williamson recorded 10 rebounds, and that work matched New Orleans generating 16 offensive rebounds.

Third quarter

The Suns took the third quarter 34-29, and Phoenix leaned on 27 assists to move the ball into open perimeter looks. The Pels produced 29 points off turnovers, and that pressure showed up with 8 steals as the game stayed within a single-possession range. Dejounte Murray finished with 5 assists, aligning with New Orleans totaling 18 assists in the matchup, as this New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns tactical recap reflected a battle of paint attacks against perimeter attempts.

Fourth quarter

New Orleans won the fourth quarter 35-26, and the Pelicans’ late push came with 12 fast-break points on 83 percent conversion in those chances. Phoenix finished with 56 total rebounds and 29 second-chance points, and that extra-possession scoring mattered in a 2-point game. This post game analysis also includes the Suns shooting 34 percent from 3-point range while the Pels hit 36 percent from deep, and New Orleans Pelicans vs Phoenix Suns final thoughts come back to Phoenix leading for 39:59 despite the Pelicans’ late quarter surge.

The Pelicans are scheduled to host the Washington Wizards at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on 03/08/2026 at 7:00 PM EDT, with viewing on Gulf Coast Sports and MNMT plus streaming on Pelicans+. Catch the broadcast, then share this article with other Pels fans.