The Phoenix Suns bounced back to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 112-97 in game 5 of their best-of-seven series.
It was not pretty basketball from New Orleans for most of the night, as the Pelicans finished the game with 15 turnovers and shot just 5-of-25 from 3-point range.
The Pelicans had just 14 assists (half as many as the Suns) with Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum both collecting five apiece. The ball and player movement just wasn’t there and New Orleans isn’t going to win many games when they have more turnovers than assists.
Willie Green had this to say after his team’s disappointing performance on the road in Phoenix:
"Look, give them credit. They did what they needed to do on their home floor. We’re headed back to New Orleans, and we’ll be ready to play"
The New Orleans Pelicans are ready to go back home
The Pelicans offense was stymied for most of the night, as they shot just 40 percent and ended the game with 97 points, fewest of the series.
Mikal Bridges went off against the Pels for 31 points, going 4/4 from beyond the arc on shots that were not so open in Game 4.
The Pelicans focused on stopping Deandre Ayton and Bridges was able to take over the game. Bridges’ big night helped the Suns overcome the absence of Devin Booker.
Both CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram struggled shooting the ball and the Pels got next to nothing from their bench, including Devonte’ Graham, who has been in an extended slump and ended the game with two points in 12 minutes, missing all of his shots from the field.
It was a sloppy night for the Pelicans, who never got in an offensive rhythm against the Suns’ defense.
The New Orleans Pelicans were once again able to come back from a big deficit, which should give them some confidence on what was not their best night.
They will head back home ready to fight again and the Smoothie King Center will be rocking as the Pels try to send this series to a do-or-die game 7 in Phoenix.