The Phoenix Suns managed to scrape by with a win against the New Orleans Pelicans, but it wasn’t pretty. In fact, it was a messy, physical battle that left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. Head coach Jordan Ott expressed pride in his team’s ability to overcome holiday distractions after Monday’s victory, but Friday’s game was a stark reminder that focus can still slip. The Suns emerged with a 115-108 win, but it was far from a polished performance.
Here’s the kicker: Phoenix committed 18 turnovers, allowed 42 free throws, and shot a dismal 20% from three-point range. And this is the part most people miss—despite all that, they still found a way to win. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a testament to their resilience, or a sign of deeper issues lurking beneath the surface? Let’s dive in.
The Suns (17-13) started the game with seven turnovers in the first quarter alone, yet the Pelicans (8-24) only capitalized for three points. Phoenix maintained a lead, but New Orleans stayed within striking distance, building confidence as the game progressed. By the second half, the Suns’ largest lead of nine points quickly dwindled to four after a string of turnovers. A timeout by Ott seemed to reignite the team’s energy, particularly for Dillon Brooks, whose contentious play—attempting to deflect a pass to an official—reawakened a lethargic Pelicans crowd.
But here’s where it gets messy: After Brooks’ ill-advised heat-check three-pointer, the Pelicans capitalized, cutting Phoenix’s lead to a single point with over 15 minutes left. From there, the game devolved into a foul-heavy, chaotic affair. The Suns entered the fourth quarter with 21 second-chance points but gave up 16 free-throw attempts in the third quarter alone—a pattern of inconsistency that’s plagued them in December.
Zion Williamson drew three quick fouls, sending him to the line and sparking a Pelicans rally. Trey Murphy III’s corner three put New Orleans up by five, raising questions about the Suns’ defensive discipline. And this is the part most people miss: While officiating was questionable, Phoenix ranks 27th in free-throw rate and 25th in opposing free-throw rate, per Cleaning the Glass. Their physicality—or lack thereof—is a glaring issue, especially compared to the Pelicans, who lead the league in rim frequency.
The game remained tight until Collin Gillespie’s mid-range shot, a Ryan Dunn block, and a lob to Mark Williams in transition sealed the deal for Phoenix. Williams, with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and a block in just 27 minutes, was the standout performer, proving his value on a night when offense was hard to come by.
Devin Booker chipped in with 30 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while Brooks added 14 points. However, the Suns’ bench had its ups and downs. Rookie Rasheer Fleming, filling in for an injured Dunn, showed flashes of potential with two transition buckets and solid perimeter defense on Jeremiah Fears. Yet, his seven minutes in the first half were a mixed bag, highlighting the growing pains of a young player.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Royce O’Neale, once a reliable two-way connector, has struggled as an on-ball defender and is prone to mental lapses. With the Suns’ roster set to get healthier, his minutes could be in jeopardy. Grayson Allen’s continued absence due to a right knee injury only adds to the team’s perimeter concerns, as his return timeline remains unclear.
So, here’s the question: Is this Suns team resilient enough to overcome their sloppiness, or are these issues a red flag for the rest of the season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
