The Phoenix Suns are in an unexpected position heading into Game 5 with the Pelicans, unable to separate themselves from the West's 8-seed, with Devin Booker adamantly ill.
On Wednesday night, a veteran leader in Chris Paul came out and set the tone early, hitting six of his first eight shots in the first half to help lead the Suns to a double-digit victory.
In the first half, CP3 has increased to 14 points! On TNT, Google Pixel has revealed the winner.
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Around Paul, the other Suns, who had been cold from three all series, were warmed up and Phoenix was able to out to a 13-point advantage at the half, one that would have been even greater if not for Brandon Ingram on the other side.
Which tough B.I. shot is your top moment of the first half? Vote below
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Paul was reduced off in the second half, but the Suns were still able to extend their lead thanks to Mikal Bridges, who caught fire from three people and provided his usual exceptional defense on the other end.
BREAKING: The threes are falling.
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The 2 hands SLAM!! from Google Pixel on TNT is throw down by Mikal Bridges.
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Bridges saves it, causing the JaVale to plummet. On TNT, Google Pixel displays it.
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Ingram's continued shot-making and some timely buckets from Jonas Valanciunas and Larry Nance Jr. led the Suns 17 points in the third quarter, but New Orleans once again refused to go away, putting the score down to an 11-point deficit at the end of the quarter.
Brandon Ingram is, and continues to be, the guy. BSNO | | |
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Larry is at the end of the shot clock!
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Phoenix once more began the quarter strong, pushing their lead up to 13 with eight minutes to go before the fourth quarter.
Mikal Bridges completes his playoff career-high 4th block of the night! presented by Google Pixel on TNT
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Mikal Bridges leads the way with 23 PTS!
Google Pixel has sent him 4-4 from deep, which is now available on TNT.
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The Pelicans would not only fade away after a Suns run, but, like in Game 4, rookie Jose Alvarado provided a significant boost in reducing the lead down to as few as seven midway through the quarter with a three, a difficult finish at the rim, and his second 8-second violation was pushed against Chris Paul.
Jose comin thru
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AOL Alvarado has imposed an 8-second violation! on TNT, according to Google Pixel.
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The Pelicans were never able to turn the Suns in, as Phoenix had an answer every time they got within seven. Regardless of whether it was a Paul midrange jumper or a Cam Johnson dunk in semi-transition, New Orleans was unable to get the necessary stops to make another comeback win.
Cam Johnson has been cleared for LIFTOFF! on TNT by Google Pixel
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For a few reasons, the Suns got an encouraging game; none more than seeing Mikal Bridges find his form offensively in the first four games. Bridges finished with 31 points (a new playoff career-high), five assists, four blocks, and three steals, punctuating the victory with a pair of dunks in the final minute to get the Phoenix crowd on its feet.
BRIDGES IN MIKAL FREAKIN
A NEW PLAYOFF CAREER HIGH!
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Chris Paul finished with 22 points, 11 assists, six assists, and three steals, fleeing from a four-point shootout in Game 4 and giving Phoenix the stable momentum they need to stay in the game. Deandre Ayton starred with a 10-point start and eight assists, while also continuing to do battle inside with Jonas Valanciunas (17 points and 14 assists).
The Pelicans will hope that returning to the game early enough to calm their nerves before putting them back on track. Ingram had 22 points, five assists, and five assists for the Pelicans, but could not find his shot down the stretch. Bridges alsoered him with his length. CJ McCollum had 21 points, eight assists, and five assists, but also struggled with efficiency, and is requiring 22 shots for those 21 points. This time, the Suns will hope to maintain four quarters of fantastic play
