PHOENIX — Devin Booker posted a season-high 58 points and used one of the best hits of his career to almost single-handedly push the Phoenix Suns past the New Orleans Pelicans 118-114 on Saturday night.
It’s the second time this season Booker has surpassed 50 points — he scored 51 against the Bulls on Nov. 30 in just three quarters.
That performance was even more impressive as it brought the Suns back from a 24-point deficit in the second half. The three-time All-Star made 21 of 35 shots, including 6 of 12 3-pointers. He added five rebounds and five assists.
The Pelicans led 83-59 midway through the third quarter, but the Suns used a 25-6 run to narrow that lead to 89-84 in the fourth quarter. Booker scored 20 points in the third, putting his team back in contention.
Phoenix tied it at 99 with 7:04 left on Josh Okogie’s free throw. Booker scored a staggering 25 straight points for the Suns before Okogie’s two free throws and made just about anything he threw at the edge as the home crowd went wild.
The Suns were clinging to a 111-109 lead when Chris Paul made a crucial 3-pointer with 1:04 left. Paul finished with 18 points and eight assists.
The Suns have won their second straight game while the Pelicans have lost three straight games.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 30 points and CJ McCollum added 27.
The Pelicans advanced to a 34-27 lead after a quarter and shot 67% from the field. McCollum had 15 points and made 6 of 7 shots, including three 3-pointers.
By half-time, New Orleans extended their lead to 63:46. Booker scored 22 points on 8-of-13 shooting before the break, but the rest of the Suns shot just 8 of 31 from the field.
TIP INS
Pelicans: F. Brandon Ingram (bruised left big toe) retired. …had a 48:34 lead in color.
Suns: C Deandre Ayton (left ankle) missed a second straight game. …F Cam Johnson (right meniscus tears), G Cameron Payne (right foot strain), G Duane Washington Jr. (left hip muscle strain) were also out. … missed 13 consecutive 3-pointers at one point in the first half. … Booker’s career high is 70 points, which he scored against Boston in 2017. … hosted a 42nd consecutive sell-out audience.
NEXT
Pelicans: host Milwaukee on Monday night.
Suns: hosts the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.
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