Introduction to the Suns vs Pelicans Showdown
The recent clash between the Phoenix Suns and the New Orleans Pelicans on May 4, 2025, delivered a high-intensity battle with playoff implications hanging in the balance. As the NBA season nears its climax, every win and loss carries massive weight, particularly in the competitive Western Conference. The Smoothie King Center in New Orleans was alive with energy as fans from both sides watched two elite teams fight for a crucial victory. This article focuses on a detailed statistical analysis of the player performances during the game, shedding light on individual brilliance and team efforts that defined the night. Our analysis of the “phoenix suns vs new orleans pelicans match player stats” aims to offer a comprehensive view of the stars, bench contributions, and game-changing moments that impacted the result.
First Half Recap: Key Moments & Momentum Shifts
The first half began with the Suns asserting early dominance. Devin Booker’s aggressive drives and Kevin Durant’s mid-range efficiency gave Phoenix a strong start. They shot over 50% from the field in the first quarter, forcing the Pelicans to regroup defensively. However, the Pelicans responded with a surge in the second quarter, thanks mainly to CJ McCollum’s three-point shooting and Zion Williamson’s relentless attacking in the paint.
By halftime, the score was nearly tied, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. The Pelicans out-rebounded the Suns in the second quarter and precisely executed their fast-break opportunities. The momentum was balanced, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
Second Half Breakdown: Turning Points & Game Winners
The third quarter saw the Pelicans intensify their defense, applying pressure on the Suns’ ball handlers. Jose Alvarado played a pivotal role with his hustle, forcing turnovers that translated into easy points. Zion continued his dominance inside, drawing fouls and converting at the free-throw line. Despite Phoenix’s efforts, including key baskets from Bradley Beal and a short run led by the bench, the Pelicans pulled ahead in the final minutes of the third.
Brandon Ingram took control in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 points in six minutes. Kevin Durant responded with deep threes and a put-back dunk, but the Pelicans maintained composure. Clutch free throws from McCollum and a dagger three by Trey Murphy III sealed the win for New Orleans. The final score stood at 113-105 in favor of the Pelicans.
Phoenix Suns Player Stats & Individual Highlights
Kevin Durant: Efficiency, Shooting Splits, Clutch Scoring
Durant had a solid night, scoring 28 points on 11-of-20 shooting. He added 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks. His mid-range efficiency and ability to create off the dribble kept the Suns within striking distance. He hit two critical shots late in the fourth but lacked support in the closing minutes.
Devin Booker: Playmaking and Defensive Efforts
Booker contributed 23 points and dished out 6 assists. Though his shooting from deep (2-of-7) was subpar, his drives and off-ball movement created open looks for teammates. Defensively, he had 2 steals and was active in contesting perimeter shots.
Bradley Beal: Shot Selection and Assist-to-Turnover Ratio
Beal added 17 points and 5 assists with only 1 turnover, showing improved decision-making. He was particularly effective in transition but struggled against the Pelicans’ half-court pressure. McCollum also tested his perimeter defense.
Bench Impact: Role Players Contributing to Scoring/Rebounding
Grayson Allen added 9 points off the bench, and Jusuf Nurkic grabbed 10 rebounds, though he only scored 4 points. The Suns’ bench lacked consistency in scoring but held up defensively during key stretches.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Stats & Star Contributions
Zion Williamson: Inside Presence and Transition Dominance
Zion dominated with 30 points on 12-of-16 shooting, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. His strength and quickness overwhelmed Phoenix’s interior defense. His transition play was critical in shifting momentum, and his presence altered several Suns’ drives.
CJ McCollum: Shooting Percentages and Leadership
McCollum finished with 25 points, shooting 5-of-10 from beyond the arc. He managed the tempo in the second half and showed veteran poise during critical possessions. He also added 5 assists and 2 steals.
Brandon Ingram: Versatility and Mid-Range Performance
Ingram posted 22 points and 6 rebounds. His mid-range game was sharp, and he played a key role in keeping the Suns’ defenders off balance. He also contributed to defense with blocks and solid help-side rotations.
Key Bench Players: Defensive Assignments and Hustle Plays
Trey Murphy III scored 11 points, including a clutch three late in the fourth. Jose Alvarado had 4 steals, making his impact felt far beyond the stat sheet. Naji Marshall added energy and length to the defense, helping to contain Booker in stretches.
Advanced Metrics & Team Comparison
From an advanced stats perspective, the Pelicans posted a better Effective Field Goal Percentage (eFG%) at 56.2% compared to the Suns’ 51.8%. Actual Shooting Percentage (TS%) also favored New Orleans. Rebounding was another key factor — the Pelicans out-rebounded Phoenix 47 to 39. Turnovers were about even, but the Pelicans capitalized more efficiently, converting 15 Suns’ turnovers into 22 points.
Plus-minus ratings showcased New Orleans’s depth, with multiple bench players finishing positively. Meanwhile, the Suns struggled outside of their core trio.
Game-Changing Moments: Highlights & Analysis
Three moments turned the tide of the game: First, Alvarado’s third-quarter steal and layup ignited a 9-0 run. Second, a fourth-quarter Zion dunk through contact gave the Pelicans a two-possession lead. Third, Murphy’s three with 40 seconds left that extinguished Phoenix’s comeback hopes.
These moments displayed New Orleans’ ability to execute under pressure, highlighting their defensive resilience and offensive cohesion.
Implications for Playoff Seeding and Momentum
With this win, the Pelicans improved their playoff seeding and gained a potential tiebreaker over the Suns. This victory could influence their first-round opponent and offer momentum going into the final week of the regular season. The loss complicates Phoenix’s postseason path, potentially pushing them into a lower seed and a tougher matchup.
The game also questioned the Suns’ bench depth and late-game execution. As teams tighten rotations in the playoffs, these flaws could become critical.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways & Player of the Game
In summary, the “Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans match player stats” paint a clear picture of a hard-fought contest in which the Pelicans’ depth and clutch play made the difference. Zion Williamson was the undisputed Player of the Game with his dominant performance on both ends. McCollum’s leadership and Ingram’s steady hand also proved vital.
Durant and Booker showed their scoring prowess for the Suns, but inconsistent bench support and a few defensive lapses proved costly. As both teams prepare for the playoffs, this matchup is a potential preview of what lies ahead—a tightly contested battle full of elite talent and razor-thin margins.
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