The Pelicans failed in 2-of-3 key areas vs. the Suns

The New Orleans Pelicans were 10.5 point underdogs on the road vs. the Suns last night, and Phoenix showed why with a 110-99 win.

The Pels couldn’t figure out the Suns’ defense early or how to stop Chris Paul late, and Phoenix was able to hold off the New Orleans’ comeback.

I thought there were three keys to the Pelicans pulling off the upset against the Suns, and last night New Orleans failed at two of them.

The Pelicans were able to pull one of them off but will have to get all three to have a chance against the Suns.

The Pels can’t afford an off night from either of these two, but especially not both of them. The Suns’ defense was smothering in the first half, as they allowed the Pels just 34 points with very few clean looks.

 If JV can hit more shots in game two, it should get Ingram and McCollum some better looks but the Pels were having problems getting anything on the Suns’ defense.

We saw vintage Chris Paul last night, as he controlled the offense, took over the game at just the right time and torched the Pelicans for 30 points and 10 assists.

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