NEW ORLEANS, LA – Devin Booker delivered a sensational performance, scoring a season-high 52 points, as the Phoenix Suns defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 123-109 on Friday night. This marked Booker’s second consecutive 50-point game against New Orleans, showcasing his scoring prowess in front of his family, who were present in the stands.
Booker, who had 25 points in the first quarter, demonstrated his scoring ability with an 18-of-30 shooting performance, including 6-of-11 from beyond the arc and a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line. This game marks the sixth time in his career that Booker has reached the 50-point mark, with his career-high being 70 points against Boston in 2017.
Suns coach Frank Vogel lauded Booker’s “killer instinct” and his ability to balance scoring with playmaking under pressure. Kevin Durant contributed 26 points, and Jusuf Nurkic pulled down 15 rebounds, helping the Suns shoot 49.5% from the field and build a commanding 30-point lead in the second half.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 24 points, but New Orleans struggled from the three-point line, missing 32 of 42 attempts. This shooting inefficiency contrasted starkly with their previous game, where they set a franchise record for three-pointers made.
Pelicans coach Willie Green expressed disappointment with his team’s defensive effort, particularly from the starters, and acknowledged the need for improvement in that area.
The packed arena anticipated a high-stakes Western Conference matchup, but Booker’s extraordinary performance and the Suns’ overall efficiency proved too much for the Pelicans.
Looking ahead, the Suns will host Indiana, while the Pelicans will take on Utah in their next games. Booker’s standout performance reaffirms his status as one of the NBA’s elite scorers and a key figure in the Suns’ success this season.
