Devin Booker scored 18 of his 32 points in the third quarter to lead the Phoenix Suns past the New Orleans Pelicans 118-116 Friday at Mortgage Matchup Center.
Jalen Green added 25 points and Grayson Allen contributed 12 points with eight assists as Phoenix overcame New Orleans’ late surge.
The Pelicans trimmed a 14-point second-half deficit to one in the final minute. Allen made two free throws with 9.8 seconds left, and Booker sank another pair, securing the lead.
Zion Williamson recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Trey Murphy III scored 22 for New Orleans. Saddiq Bey added 19 points, but the team could not complete the comeback.
Oso Ighodaro, starting for the injured Mark Williams, had 13 points and six rebounds before fouling out with 1:08 remaining. Collin Gillespie added 12 points for the Suns.
Both teams were playing on back-to-back nights. The Pelicans had defeated the Sacramento Kings Thursday, while Phoenix lost at home to Chicago.
Phoenix played without starters Williams (left foot fracture) and Dillon Brooks (left hand fracture). Brooks, recently arrested for suspicion of DUI, attended the game but did not play.
The game featured 63 free throws, with New Orleans attempting 37 and Phoenix 26. The Suns shot 44% from the field, while the Pelicans converted 45%.
Phoenix (36-27) will host the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, while New Orleans (20-45) returns home to face the Washington Wizards.
