After an eight-game winning streak over the Thunder, the Suns lost back-to-back to the Pelicans 102-117 today, ending an eight-game winning streak.
In today's game, Booker played 36 minutes, shooting 10-of-24, including 2-of-8 from three-point range and 8-of-8 from the free throw line, with 30 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists, but it became an empty cut. Aside from Booker, the Suns only had 3 people scoring in double figures.
On the Pelicans side, McCollum played 34 minutes and shot 11-of-18, including 2-of-6 three-pointers and 8-of-11 free throws, for 32 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Ingram also had 28 points, five rebounds and seven assists in the game.
Paul was out injured and was playing back-to-back, so it wasn't a big deal for the Suns to lose today's game. Even after losing today, the Suns still finish first in the West with a record of 49 wins and 11 losses.
Unfortunately, the Suns missed out on their third 10-game winning streak of the season. In addition, the Suns have no chance of winning 50 of the first 60 games of the season, but their current record is still the best in team history, and the possibility of breaking the best record in team history this season is very high.
Since entering 2022, the Suns' record has been very strong, with only 3 games lost in total. In the past 21 games, the Suns have achieved a record of 19 wins and 2 losses, if it were not for the away defeat to the Hawks on February 4, the 11 winning streaks would have been ended, and the Suns are still expected to have 20 consecutive wins, and they have only won 18 consecutive wins at the beginning of this season, setting a new team record.
The Suns have had a very good home and away record this season, and although they lost to the Pelicans at home today, their home record is still 26-6, tied for the first place in the league with the Warriors.
On the road side, the Suns' away record so far this season is 23 wins and 5 losses, which is not only better than all the team's away record, but also better than any other team's home record, and of course better than their own home record.
However, if the Suns can beat the Pelicans at home today, their home record will be 27-5, which is higher than their away record.
Although the Suns' record is still high in the First Place in the West and the First Place in the League, and six wins ahead of the Second Place Warriors, but because Paul suffered an injury and had to be absent for a long time, the challenges they will face next are not small, the record may decline, and there is still suspense whether they can end the regular season with the first place.