CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson combined for 60 points as the New Orleans Pelicans (46-32) secured a crucial 113-105 victory over the Phoenix Suns (46-32) on Sunday, knotting the teams in the standings for the sixth seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
With both teams now holding identical records with four games left in the regular season, the Pelicans’ win carries significant playoff implications.
Despite missing Friday’s game due to a finger injury, Williamson returned with authority, tallying 29 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and a career-high five blocks to propel New Orleans to victory.
New Orleans received significant contributions from role players, including Jose Alvarado, who returned from injury to knock down five 3-pointers en route to 15 points. Trey Murphy III added 13 points, while Dyson Daniels chipped in with 10 points.
Despite a strong effort from the Suns, led by Bradley Beal’s 33 points and Devin Booker’s 25 points, Phoenix struggled to find its rhythm from beyond the arc, shooting just 7 of 22 from long range. Kevin Durant added 23 points.
The Suns’ three-game winning streak came to an end as they face a tight race for playoff seeding in the competitive Western Conference.
The absence of Brandon Ingram, sidelined with a left knee contusion since March 21, didn’t hinder the Pelicans’ performance, as McCollum and Williamson stepped up to lead the charge against a formidable Suns squad.
