The NBA playoffs continued with a focus game in the West, with the Suns challenging the Pelicans on the road and eventually losing 103-118. After this battle, the big score between the two sides became 2-2 draw, and there will be a duel on Tenno Mountain. 37-year-old Chris Paul couldn't hold back the scene, and the taste of black eight became stronger and stronger.
In the first quarter, the Pelicans had a certain advantage, but also limited, winning only 3 points 25-22. In the second quarter, the Suns immediately returned to color, winning 5 points 29-24 and walking into the dressing room with the lead at halftime. Yi Bian fought again, and the Suns collapsed in the third quarter, losing as much as 12 points in a single quarter. In the last quarter, unable to return to the sky, after losing another 5 points, watching the opponent chase the big score.
The Pelicans have key stars who can be determined at key moments, such as Ingram, who bombed 30 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists, with a plus-minus of +18. Valanciunas also performed well, with 26 points, 15 rebounds and 4 assists, plus-minus +19. These two men are the biggest contributors to the team's victory.
On the Suns side, their trident was supposed to play this role, but devin Booker was injured, leaving their offense stretched and their combat effectiveness was reduced by more than half. Chris Paul, on the other hand, was in bad shape, playing 35 minutes, shooting only 2 of 8, 0 of 3 from three-point range, not even free throws, and only handed over a report card of 4 points, 11 assists and 3 turnovers, plus or minus -14. Only one Ayton performed normally, shooting 11-of-14 and contributing 23 points and eight rebounds. It is difficult to compete with the opponent.
Chris Paul is about to turn 37 years old, and he can only play a role that goes further, not like Devon Booker, who becomes the person who lays the foundation in front, and the age is here, it is impossible to play like a young man, this is a fact that Monty needs to understand and accept.
As the two sides entered the Battle of Tenno Mountain, the pelicans' morale was high, while the Suns had a feeling of bitter support, and from the momentum alone, the taste of Black Eight became stronger and stronger. The Suns had no other way, gritted their teeth, tried every means to keep alive, and survived until Devon Booker made a comeback, and life would be better.