Devin Booker, aged 27, delivered an outstanding performance with 52 points as the Suns defeated the Pelicans 124-111 in Monday’s NBA game.
The impressive performance by Devin Booker on the road at the Pelicans’ Smoothie King Center has given the Suns a boost in their quest to surpass the Pelicans for a direct playoff spot. The Suns’ victory has also secured a playoff spot for the Minnesota Timberwolves, putting the Suns just one win behind the Pelicans in the standings. Currently at 44-31, Phoenix is on track for the Western Conference play-in tournament.
Meanwhile, New Orleans (45-30) is facing a tense end to the regular season, aware that any misstep could be costly. In the game, all five of Phoenix’s starters scored in double digits to help Devin Booker, with Kevin Durant contributing 20 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, and Jusuf Nurkic adding 19 points and 19 rebounds. Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 30 points, while Trey Murphy chipped in 21.
In another location on Monday, Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser each scored 25 points to lead the Boston Celtics to a 118-104 victory over the Charlotte Hornets in North Carolina. Despite a previous unexpected loss to the Hornets earlier in the season, the Celtics, who have already clinched the top spot in the Eastern Conference, dominated the game after falling behind early. Hauser’s 25-point performance off the bench, which included seven three-pointers, was instrumental in the win, along with double-digit scoring from starters Kristaps Porzingis (20), Derrick White (19), and Al Horford (15).
Meanwhile in Indianapolis, the Indiana Pacers strengthened their chances of securing a spot in the playoffs with a dominant 133-111 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Tyrese Haliburton led the charge with 27 points, while Jalen Smith contributed 17 points coming off the bench. The Pacers, now at 43-33, maintained their sixth position in the Eastern Conference, just ahead of the seventh-placed Miami team (41-33) who are likely headed for the play-in tournament.
The Pacers took control early on by scoring 43 points in the first quarter, building a commanding 28-point lead by halftime. On the other hand, Brooklyn’s playoff hopes are fading as they are virtually out of contention with a 29-47 record, placing them in 11th position in the Eastern Conference behind the 10th-placed Atlanta team (34-40).
