By ATTS 
Suns End Skid with Decisive Win Against Pelicans
The Phoenix Suns emphatically snapped a three-game losing streak on Friday night, defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 125-108 in a game they controlled from start to finish. The Suns, who had lost seven of their last eight, displayed a dominant performance, leading by as many as 29 points. Bol Bol led the charge for Phoenix, scoring 25 points, just one point shy of his career high, while Nick Richards provided a strong presence inside, finishing with 19 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. B
The victory was a much-needed boost for the Suns, who have struggled with consistency lately. Several players stepped up, including Royce O’Neal, who contributed 18 points off the bench. Devin Booker added 17 points with nine assists, and Kevin Durant also scored 17. This collective effort showcased the Suns’ potential when firing on all cylinders, and showed the crowd their abilities to perform. B
The Pelicans, on the other hand, were without key players Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, both of whom were rested after recently recovering from injuries. Williamson had delivered his first career triple-double in Thursday’s victory over the Suns, making his absence particularly noticeable. New Orleans struggled to find their rhythm without their star duo. The lack in consistent teamwork proved to be one of the biggest issues for the Pelicans on Friday night. B
Bol Bol’s Impact and Early Dominance
Bol Bol made an immediate impact on the game, scoring 10 of the Suns’ first 20 points. His early offensive outburst set the tone for Phoenix, propelling them to an early 14-point lead. Bol’s performance illustrated his significant role on the team. He continued to be a force throughout the game, demonstrating his scoring prowess and versatility. The Suns capitalized on Bol’s hot start, establishing a commanding 40-18 lead after the first quarter. B
This early dominance was a key factor in the Suns’ victory. It allowed them to dictate the pace of the game and maintain control throughout the contest. The Pelicans, missing key players, struggled to keep up with Phoenix’s fast start, and while their efforts were noticeable, they could simply not keep up with the Suns on Friday. B
Pelicans’ Struggles and Turnovers
The Pelicans, after a season-low six turnovers in Thursday’s win, matched that total in the first quarter alone on Friday. This uncharacteristic sloppiness plagued them throughout the game, hindering their ability to mount a comeback. They finished with a total of 15 turnovers, highlighting their struggles in protecting the ball. These turnovers, the crowd was sure, was directly tied to their loss against the Suns. B
Rookie Yves Missi matched his season high with 24 points for New Orleans, providing a bright spot in an otherwise difficult game. Jordan Hawkins also scored 24 points, showing flashes of potential, despite the fact that is was not enough to secure the win for the Pelicans. However, these individual performances were not enough to overcome the team’s overall struggles. Key players’ absences and defensive lapses also played a significant role in the Pelican’s struggles. B
Key Players Return and Suns’ Defensive Concerns
Kelly Olynyk and Bruce Brown returned to the lineup for the Pelicans after sitting out Thursday night. Olynyk finished with 11 points, while Brown contributed 10. Their presence provided some support, but it wasn’t enough to fill the void left by Williamson and McCollum. Antonio Reeves (11 points) and Trey Murphy III (10) also reached double figures for New Orleans. The scores that these individuals were able to rack up, however, were simply not enough to beat the Suns. B
Despite the victory, Phoenix has allowed opponents to score 100 or more points in 17 consecutive games. While Friday’s point total was a little above 100, this ongoing defensive trend remains a concern for the Suns. These defensive struggles by the Suns is something they will need to work together as a team to overcome. B
Looking Ahead
The Phoenix Suns will look to build on this victory as they host the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. This win against the Pelicans provides a boost of confidence, showing the Suns what can happen when they play to their abilities, despite struggles against opponents. The Pelicans, meanwhile, travel to face to the Utah Jazz. They will be aiming to bounce back from this loss and regain their winning form. Both teams face tough challenges in their upcoming games. It goes without being said that both team will need to work together to come up with solutions to overcome their hurdles. B
The Suns’ victory was a testament to their depth and resilience, particularly in the absence of the injured Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen. Bol Bol’s near career-high performance, coupled with strong contributions from multiple players, highlighted the team’s potential. For the Pelicans, the game serves as a reminder of the importance of their star players and the need to improve their defensive consistency. The next game is right around the corner on Sunday.B