© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
NEW ORLEANS – The Phoenix Suns took care of business in the second game of their back-to-back against New Orleans, as they defeated Zion Williamson and the Pelicans on Saturday by a score of 123-114.
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Dec 27, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Phoenix Suns guard/forward Dillon Brooks (3) dunks the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jeremiah Fears (0) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
In the first half, it started with the Suns’ usual game plans of letting their stars, Dillon Brooks and Devin Booker, cook up early. Although it became the Collin Gillespie show as he took over by shooting 5-for-5 from the three-point line and ended the half with 15 points. Zion Williamson was a force for the Pelicans, though the Suns were able to hold their own and weather the storm.
Dec 27, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Phoenix guard Collin Gillespie (12) dribbles against New Orleans guard/forward Micah Peavy (14) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The second half began with the Suns being a little careless and sloppy, as turnovers were coming into play in the third quarter, although they relied on their depth to get past those issues. Phoenix was capitalizing on their offensive rebounds, though, as guys like Oso Ighodoro and Mark Williams were able to get the Suns some quality second-chance opportunities. Rasheer Fleming was also playing a pivotal part in the fourth quarter and was establishing a presence in the paint as he made the most of his minutes.
Dec 27, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Phoenix center Mark Williams (15) drives to the basket against New Orleans center Yves Missi (21) during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Frustrations were mounting for New Orleans as Derik Queen and Jeremiah Feers were vocal about officiating. Zion Williamson was able to help keep the younger stars’ composure and was instrumental for the Pelicans’ offense. Jose Alvarado let those frustrations get the best of him when he threw punches at Suns C Mark Williams, leading to both of their ejections.
Status alert: Mark Williams, Jose Alvarado have been ejected Saturday.pic.twitter.com/dgTdbgmpVS
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) December 28, 2025
Phoenix’s game plan of containing Williamson was working as best it could, and they were able to restrict New Orleans’ chances in the paint. The Suns stuck with it, though, and are fighting through their schedule playing true team basketball. Beating the Pelicans on Saturday night wasn’t just another win; and Suns fans are recognizing how tonight’s win was a blueprint of how Phoenix’s success can continue to grow.
Phoenix Suns aim to strike twice in back-to-back with Pelicans
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
