The New Orleans Pelicans have taken down the Phoenix Suns a second consecutive time at home on Monday (all times AEDT), winning 129-124 in overtime in a statement from Willie Green’s side.
It came behind another monster performance from Zion Williamson, who finished with an equal season-high 35 points plus eight rebounds after dominating the clash between the two teams on Saturday to enter MVP conversations, and CJ McCollum co-starred with 29 points and seven assists. .
Dyson Daniels meanwhile had his own strong performance in another start, racking up 11 points and eight assists with no turnovers in a career-high 36 minutes, impressing yet again at both ends of the floor.
Watch an average of 9 LIVE NBA Regular Season games per week on ESPN on Kayo Sports on ESPN on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Mon, 12 Dec
Monday December 12th
The Aussie has made the most of his opportunities while Brandon Ingram (toe sprain) and Herb Jones (ankle) have been sidelined for the last several matches.
After earning praise while matching up on Devin Booker last time these teams met, Daniels received more plaudits on Monday for his playmaking and defensive assignment on Chris Paul, who scored six points on 3-of-10 shooting with 11 assists.
The game went into overtime following a clutch Paul pull-up jumper with 2.8 seconds left in regulation after Naji Marshall missed a free throw at the other end of the floor on the previous possession.
But the Suns – already without Booker (hamstring tightness) – also lost both DeAndre Ayton and Paul from 2:52 remaining in the extra period after the latter joined the big man in fouling out.
And New Orleans never really looked like losing from that point as it scored six-straight points – including two jumpers from McCollum – to extend its lead out to 129-120 and coast to the win.
It marked the Pelicans’ 12th win from their last 14 games to extend their lead at the top of the Western Conference standings with an 18-8 record – just two and a half games behind the league-leading 21-6 Boston Celtics.
Meanwhile, Phoenix dropped its fifth game from its last six to slide to 16-11.
Ayton’s 28 points led the Suns, adding 12 rebounds, while Mikal Bridges had 27 points and two steals.
Jock Landale added eight points and seven rebounds off the Suns bench in 20 minutes, getting an extended run after Ayton fouled out.
.