The Phoenix Suns and New Orleans Pelicans squared off in a highly anticipated back-to-back matchup on December 26, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. Both teams entered the contest with plenty at stake and a handful of compelling storylines, setting the stage for an evening of high-octane NBA action that neither fanbase would soon forget.
For the Suns, the matchup marked a much-needed break in what had been a grueling stretch of the season. Phoenix, boasting a 16-13 record, had just survived a 14-game gauntlet—13 of those games coming against winning teams in the Western Conference. Emerging from that with a 7-7 record, the Suns were eager to capitalize on an opponent with a less formidable record. The Pelicans, sitting at 8-23, seemed like the right team at the right time for Phoenix to regain momentum. But if there’s one thing the NBA teaches, it’s to never underestimate a hungry underdog, especially one defending its home court.
The Smoothie King Center has been a fortress for New Orleans in recent weeks. The Pelicans entered the game riding a four-game home winning streak and had notched victories in five of their last six contests. That’s a remarkable turnaround for a team that struggled out of the gate this season, and their fans showed up in force, ready to witness another statement performance.
Several key players were either sidelined or playing through injuries, adding extra intrigue to the contest. For the Suns, Grayson Allen (right knee) and Jalen Green (right hamstring strain) were both ruled out, while Jordan Goodwin was cleared to play despite a jaw sprain. The Pelicans, too, were shorthanded: Herb Jones (right ankle sprain) and Dejounte Murray (right Achilles rupture) were unavailable, and Jordan Poole was a game-time decision with left ankle soreness. These absences forced both coaching staffs to dig deep into their rotations and rely on bench contributions in critical moments.
The spotlight, as always, shone brightest on Suns guard Devin Booker. Booker’s history at the Smoothie King Center is nothing short of legendary. In his previous three games in New Orleans, he averaged an astonishing 44 points per outing, including two jaw-dropping 52-point explosions. The proximity to his hometown of Moss Point, Mississippi, always seems to bring out the best in Booker, and with the Suns looking to shake off a recent slump, his performance was under the microscope yet again.
Booker wasted no time making his presence felt, attacking the Pelicans’ defense from the opening tip. He was relentless, weaving through defenders and knocking down tough shots, much to the delight of Suns fans and the chagrin of the New Orleans faithful. According to the Arizona broadcast, “One player who we can bank on bringing the fight in this game is Devin Booker.” That sentiment rang true as Booker set the tone early.
But the Pelicans weren’t about to let Booker steal the show without a fight. Zion Williamson, still working his way back from a hip abductor strain, was expected to come off the bench and play limited minutes—between 20 and 25, according to team sources. Despite his reduced workload, Williamson had been on a tear lately, averaging 26.3 points per game over his last three outings. Every time he checked in, the energy in the building spiked. Williamson’s physicality and explosiveness around the rim kept the Suns’ interior defenders on their toes.
Another name that kept popping up was Pelicans rookie center Derik Queen. Dubbed “Baby Jokic” during his college days at Maryland for his versatile and crafty style, Queen had made a seamless transition to the NBA. In December alone, he scored double digits in eight out of ten games and averaged 5.6 assists—a rare feat for a rookie center. Queen’s ability to facilitate from the high post and finish in traffic gave New Orleans a dynamic offensive option. “Queen was drafted 13th, and as he continues to play well… Suns fans will continue to flashback to the last 10th overall pick, who was a major bust,” observed one Suns analyst, referencing past draft history with a hint of irony.
The Suns’ game plan was clear: protect the paint at all costs. The Pelicans ranked fourth in the NBA in percentage of points scored from two-point range, making rim protection a top priority. Mark Williams, Phoenix’s imposing center, was tasked with anchoring the defense. His shot-blocking and rebounding were crucial, especially whenever Williamson or Queen attacked the basket. On the other end, Phoenix leaned heavily on their perimeter shooting, ranking eighth in the league in points scored from beyond the arc. Generating and converting open threes would be the difference between victory and defeat.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading runs and highlight plays. Booker continued his scoring barrage, but the Pelicans countered with balanced contributions from Queen, Williamson, and an energetic supporting cast. Bryce McGowens, New Orleans’ athletic guard, made his presence felt on both ends, harassing Suns ball-handlers and finishing emphatically at the rim. Photos from the game captured key moments: Booker maneuvering around McGowens, Williams battling Queen for rebounds, and Oso Ighodaro getting in on the action against Karlo Matkovic.
Jordan Goodwin, back from his jaw sprain, made an immediate impact for the Suns, coming up with a timely steal against Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears and igniting a fast break. Rasheer Fleming and Nigel Hayes-Davis also provided valuable minutes off the Phoenix bench, helping to keep the game within reach whenever the starters rested. For New Orleans, Jose Alvarado’s hustle and Jordan Poole’s ball-handling—despite his questionable status—kept the offense humming.
As the game wore on, the tension mounted. The Smoothie King Center crowd was electric, sensing another home upset might be in the cards. Betting odds had favored the Suns by 5.5 points, but the Pelicans, undeterred by their underdog status, refused to go quietly. The Suns’ offense, powered by Booker and a barrage of three-point attempts, tried to pull away, but every run was answered by a Pelicans surge. Queen’s passing and Williamson’s brute force kept New Orleans within striking distance heading into the final stretch.
With the action still ongoing and neither team able to deliver a knockout blow, fans were left on the edge of their seats. Would Booker’s Smoothie King Center magic continue, or could the Pelicans extend their home winning streak to five? One thing was certain: both squads were leaving everything on the floor, and the outcome was far from decided as the clock ticked down.
As the teams prepare to face off again in the second leg of their back-to-back, all eyes remain fixed on New Orleans. The Suns are determined to take care of business against a resurgent Pelicans squad, while New Orleans looks to prove their home dominance is no fluke. With stars shining, rookies rising, and every possession carrying weight, this Suns-Pelicans series is shaping up to be a December showdown to remember.
