During an in-season turnaround that set up eventual trips to the play-in tournament and NBA playoffs, New Orleans established itself as one of the league’s best rebounding teams, as well as among the elite clubs in paint points and transition offense. Unfortunately for the Pelicans, to anyone watching them play for the first time this season Sunday against the top-seeded Suns, only one of those three strengths was evident during Phoenix’s 110-99 Game 1 victory.
New Orleans dominated the hosts 55-35 in total rebounds, including by a whopping 25-5 margin on the offensive glass, but the Pelicans were soundly defeated both in the paint (Suns 50-38 scoring edge) and in fast-break points (Suns 15-2).