The New Orleans Pelicans emerged victorious against the Phoenix Suns on February 27, 2025, with a final score of 124-116, marking their third consecutive win and fourth victory out of five games. This triumph at the Footprint Center showcased both team strategy and individual prowess, particularly from Zion Williamson and Karlo Matkovic.
Williamson delivered an outstanding performance, netting 27 points, dishing out 11 assists—matching his career high—and collecting 10 rebounds to achieve his first career triple-double. He was instrumental throughout the match, particularly during pivotal moments when the Pelicans needed to extend their lead.
Matkovic, on the other hand, was no less impressive, contributing 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds of his own. The forward shot 7 of 13 from the field and made 3 of 7 from three-point territory. His offensive and defensive plays helped solidify the Pelicans’ strategy against the Suns.
CJ McCollum also played a significant role, scoring 19 points and adding to the Pelicans' strong shooting performance, which yielded 48.1% from the floor. Trey Murphy III added 18 points, continuing to provide depth to the Pelicans' roster.
Despite the loss, Devin Booker shined for the Suns, delivering 36 points along with nine assists and seven rebounds. His efforts, along with Kevin Durant’s 28 points, almost led the Suns to mount a comeback late in the game. Both players led Phoenix through intense stretches, showing flashes of elite play. Yet, the Suns, who continue to struggle, have now lost 10 of their last 12 games, highlighting their current challenges.
The Pelicans demonstrated their resilience, especially during the fourth quarter, where they outscored the Suns 36-25. A turning point was marked by Williamson's consecutive layup, pushing New Orleans’ lead to eight with 1:19 left on the clock. Following booker and Durant's combined efforts to close the gap, McCollum assisted the final scoring efforts to secure the win, including two free throws and a thunderous dunk at the game’s end. With just seconds remaining, he helped seal the game, raising the team's morale as they look to continue this winning streak.
This win not only bolstered the Pelicans’ position within their conference but also provides them with needed momentum as they prepare to face the Suns once again on February 28. Williamson reflected on the team’s performance, stating, "Every game is important right now. We can’t let up and solidify our path to the playoffs. After the last few games, we’re believing more and more as a unit."
Now with players like Matkovic stepping up, and Williamson seemingly unlocking another level of his potential, the outlook for the Pelicans looks promising as they aim for continued success on the court.