Phoenix Suns leaned on late-game execution Friday night, pulling away down the stretch for a 115-108 win over the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center.
Devin Booker finished with 30 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, as Phoenix improved to 17-13 in the opener of a two-game series.
The Suns trailed 100-97 with 4:58 remaining after a free throw by Zion Williamson, but responded with an 18-8 closing run to regain control.
Booker sparked the surge at the line, then found teammates repeatedly as Phoenix punished New Orleans for missed rotations and fouls.
Mark Williams delivered a dominant finish, scoring 10 of his 24 points in the final period while adding 13 rebounds.
Williams converted four straight free throws, then finished an alley-oop from Booker as the Suns built separation in the final minutes.
Williamson led the Pelicans with 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists, consistently creating pressure in the paint.
Jordan Poole and Trey Murphy III added 19 points apiece, but New Orleans struggled to capitalize at the foul line.
The Pelicans went just 25-of-42 on free throws, a costly margin in a game decided by late execution.
Despite shooting only 5-of-24 from three-point range, Phoenix controlled the game through rebounding and second-chance scoring.
The Suns carried a 53-48 halftime lead after outrebounding New Orleans 31-23 in the first half, including a 12-6 edge on the offensive glass.
Those extra possessions produced a 17-6 advantage in second-chance points before the break.
Phoenix extended its lead during the second quarter with an 11-2 run fueled by interior finishes from Rasheer Fleming.
Poole kept the Pelicans close early, scoring 11 first-half points that included deep three-pointers and a four-point play.
New Orleans closed the gap late in the third quarter despite missing seven free throws in the period.
The Pelicans trimmed the deficit to 81-80 entering the fourth, setting the stage for a tight finish.
Williamson’s layup with 1:51 remaining cut the Suns’ lead to 107-106, but Phoenix answered immediately.
Collin Gillespie hit a 15-foot jumper that ignited a decisive five-point burst in a 35-second span.
Phoenix finished the night with 52 rebounds and 26 assists, balancing ball movement with physical interior play.
The Pelicans fell to 8-24 despite shooting 44 percent from the field, undone by missed free throws and late defensive breakdowns.
The teams meet again Saturday night in New Orleans, with the Suns looking to secure a road sweep.
