New Orleans has repeatedly shown an ability to rally from deficits this season, including saving their season Friday via a fourth-quarter comeback at the Clippers, but the Pelicans dug themselves too large of a hole Sunday in Phoenix. After the visitors sliced the margin to within a couple possessions, a familiar face in the Crescent City made sure the Suns prevailed.
Former New Orleans All-Star point guard Chris Paul went on a fourth-quarter scoring barrage, pushing back the Pelicans after they had surged into striking distance, despite their forgettable first half. Phoenix led 53-34 at intermission, but upset-minded New Orleans won the third period 37-26, then further cut into its deficit prior to Paul dominating a critical final-stanza stretch.