On January 5, Beijing time, the NBA regular season continued to unfold, and the Suns challenged the Pelicans away. As soon as the game came up, the Suns were in full swing, hitting 42 points in a single quarter to establish an 11-point lead, and then playing steadily and steadily, without giving the Pelicans too many opportunities. In the end, the Suns beat the Pelicans 123-110 to usher in a two-game winning streak.
The Suns were previously trapped by the epidemic, and a wave of 4-3 losses missed the opportunity to reach the top of the league. The last 34-point win over the Hornets regained form, and this time it quickly entered the form, Booker took a 13-point lead in the quarter, and the Pelicans struggled to catch up and take a 10-point lead at halftime. In the second half, the Sun still occupied the initiative, the Pelicans have been clinging to the score, but they have not been able to further narrow the point difference, the final quarter once narrowed the point difference to 2 points, the key moment temporary worker Bi Yongbo even scored 7 points, and then Booker also scored consecutive points, helping the team and establishing a double-digit lead, laying the foundation for the team to win.
Paul still plays the role of the team's brain in this game, playing 35 minutes, shooting 5 of 11, 1 of 2 three-pointers, contributing 11 points, 5 boards and 15 assists, plus-minus +23. Led by Paul, the Suns scored in double figures with six players, and he himself set a record. This is the 98th game of Paul's career to deliver at least 15 assists, tied for fifth in history with NBA star Isaiah Thomas; at least 15 assists in three consecutive games, equaling the NBA's longest record of 15+ assists against a single opponent; and averaging 9.4 assists per game so far in his career, ranking fourth in history.
In addition, Paul has successfully surpassed Harden to become the assist king of the season by delivering at least 15 assists in the past 3 games, leading the way with an average of 10.1 assists per game, and is expected to get the assist king again. The team's temporary worker Biyombo, with the help of Paul, played very well on the field, played 29 minutes off the bench, and got 16 points, 6 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks on 6-of-6, and is expected to get a second 10-day short contract before staying. In addition, Booker had 33 points and nine rebounds, Bridges 23 points, Johnson 18 points and Smith 12 points.
Looking at the Suns' outstanding performances this season, reaching the Finals last season was really not a flash in the pan, they have officially risen. Booker contributed 33 points in this game, triggering the epidemic to be absent from Ayton, Crowder, Shamet and McGee, and the lineup is still very deep. Now the competition in the West has become more wild, and in addition to the Warriors and Suns, the Jazz, Grizzlies, Nuggets and Lakers behind them also have a good chance.