© Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
PHOENIX — On the second night of a back-to-back on Friday, the Phoenix Suns re-entered the win column after defeating the New Orleans Pelicans, 118-116.
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Mar 6, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen (8) dribbles against New Orleans Pelicans guard Saddiq Bey (41) during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Friday’s game determined whether the Suns needed to improve execution and adjustment, or to raise their competitive level. Phoenix struggled against a Chicago Bulls team — going winless in February — that didn’t have many of their main producers on Thursday.
Despite having the scoring edge, the Suns didn’t lead the entire game. Phoenix once again entered Friday with the scoring edge against New Orleans.
Mar 6, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) shoots over New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy III (25) during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Much of the first half was close, with lead changes by both teams and neither team able to take a massive lead. New Orleans led by as much as seven, while Phoenix’s biggest lead was 10. Jalen Green, despite his shooting struggles, led the scoring for the Suns with 18 first-half points.
In the third quarter, Phoenix once again stretched its lead to 10, but the Pelicans continued to cut down the deficit with key runs and at the free-throw line. However, momentum shifted to the Suns’ favor as Devin Booker exploded for 18 points in the quarter.
Phoenix held the lead the rest of the game, with five players in double-digit scoring, led by Booker’s 32 points.
Mar 6, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Oso Ighodaro (11) dunks over New Orleans Pelicans center Derik Queen (22) and New Orleans Pelicans forward Karlo Matkovic (17) during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Suns get a second chance after a missed three, courtesy of Oso Ighodaro. ✈️
🎥: @wlopezde#PhoenixSuns #SunsUp #NBA pic.twitter.com/rZ9fdL73QE
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) March 7, 2026
The Suns have one more game at home before going back on the road, facing the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, March 8, at 7 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Suns face Pelicans in must-respond matchup as playoff push continues
