The Phoenix Suns lost their third straight game and have slipped to third place in the Western Conference.
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans have improved their winning streak to six and are in first place for the first time since 2012.
Luckily for the Suns, they will get a second chance against the pesky Pelicans this Sunday, once again in New Orleans.
Bad blood
As expected, the fourth quarter was filled with constant chipping and even a little pushing.
After Zion Williamson slammed a 360 dunk with only 1 second left on the clock, both benches were cleared.
The explanation point was not taken well by the Suns and believers in the unwritten rule book in basketball.
Pelicans and Suns go at it after Zion Williamson's 360 dunk before the buzzer 🔥pic.twitter.com/izSfjrL5rI
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) December 10, 2022
Zion ended the night leading the Pelicans with 35 points, shooting 13-17 from the field.
But he may not even have been the most controversial player of the night…
As usual, PG Jose Alvarado was a pest to the Suns and kept the fans annoyed all night long.
Jose Alvarado talks crazy for a dude who allowed Chris Paul to shoot 100% from the field and send him home in a game 6 at home
— Germany 2022 WC Champs (@chrissonner13) December 10, 2022
While guarding Chris Paul, Alvarado allowed the Suns’ PG to shoot 6-9 from three, a season high.
Another major talking point was Devin Booker, who has been in a deep slump over the past week. This is coming right after a historical stretch of three straight 40+ games.
Booker shot 5-17 from the field tonight, which was likely the difference-maker in the close game.
But if one thing is for certain, popcorn will be needed for this Sunday’s game, where Phoenix will get a rematch.
The Suns didn't appreciate this from Zion.
Rematch on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/1BK8w670mz
— Bally Sports Arizona (@BALLYSPORTSAZ) December 10, 2022
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