The New Orleans Pelicans beat the Suns 125-114 to tie the series up at one game apiece as they head back into New Orleans with the momentum.
This was an all-around better game for the Pelicans after a poor shooting performance in Game 1. Brandon Ingram took over in Game 2 with 37 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists and veteran CJ McCollum had 23 points off of 38 percent shooting. Brandon Ingram said postgame,
"“We just continue to have fun and let loose”."
The rookies are certainly having fun, as this is their first time on the big stage and a learning moment for them too. And it was the rookies who stepped up big along with BI to put the Pelicans on top.
Herb Jones played 41 minutes and had 14 points. He was physical on the defensive end disrupting plays and coming up with stops as well. Jones was a little too physical with four fouls and played passive down the stretch, but he was a huge plus for the Pelicans as he went 2-of-3 from beyond the arc.
Trey Murphy III had nine points off the bench and only missed two 3s. He was also physical in the second half making some mistakes, but he was quick on his feet.
Jose Alvarado had eight points and was 100% from the field. Jose’s speed was there all night, and he brought the young energy that the Pels needed. It seemed that he was running circles around the Suns, and they could not keep up with him.
Jose played big minutes in the 4th quarter and made some huge shots to extend the lead. The Pelicans went on a 28-16 run in the last seven minutes to close out the 4th quarter and get the win.
The Pels adjusted to the Phoenix Suns after game one (helped by a Devin Booker injury), and will have to continue to get big contributions from the first-year guys to pull off the first-round upset.
These Pelicans’ rookies are not afraid of the big moment and they should have plenty more chances to deliver in front of a raucous home crowd for game three in New Orleans.