The Phoenix Suns (28-32) were in complete control, leading by as much as 29 points and snapping their three-game losing skid with a 125-108 win over the shorthanded New Orleans Pelicans (16-44) on March 1.
Phoenix Suns Top Performers:
Nick Richards 19 PTS | 12 REB | 1 BLK | 37.4 FPS
Richards’ production has been inconsistent since moving to the Suns, but he’s picked it up lately with four efficient double-digit scoring games while also maintaining strong rebounding. He’s still a risky roster option, but worth monitoring.
Bol Bol 25 PTS | 5-8 3PT | 2 BLK | 36.6 FPS
Bol has been a game-changer, averaging 21 points on highly efficient shooting from the field and three, while also contributing solid rebounding and recording two blocks in each of his last three games. He’s a must-have right now, regardless of the team’s performance.
Kevin Durant 17 PTS | 6 AST | 3 STL | 35.4 FPS
KD has remained effective after the break, scoring 22+ points in four games and slightly under 20 twice. He’s provided strong shooting value in five outings, though his free-throw numbers have been lacking. Defensively, he’s been solid, but his production in other areas hasn’t been as reliable. But with the team currently outside of playoff contention, he’s in a big risk of getting shut down.
Devin Booker 17 PTS | 9 AST | 1 STL | 32.5 FPS
Booker’s scoring output was noticeably lower today with the game being a blowout, marking his fourth game this month under 20 points after consistently scoring 28+ in the previous four. He continues to be efficient from the field and three, though his production at the line has been minimal. However, his playmaking remains strong with 8+ assists in eight of nine games, and he’s also contributing positively on the defensive end.
Royce O’Neale 18 PTS | 6-9 3PT | 3 REB | 25.1 FPS
O’Neale’s offensive production had declined before this game, leading to a decrease in minutes. However, he remained sharp from three, hitting multiple threes in 10 games and bouncing back today with his third game of 6+ threes this month.
New Orleans Pelicans Top Performers:
Jordan Hawkins 24 PTS | 4 AST | 3 STL | 42.4 FPS
Hawkins is someone to monitor with McCollum possibly getting shut down and the team tanking. He has shown he can score despite an inconsistent role and has the ability to contribute across multiple areas.
Yves Missi 24 PTS | 5 REB | 1 BLK | 32.5 FPS
Missi took the spotlight today with their starters sidelined and notched a season-high in points, though his rebounding dipped after putting up 10 or more in four straight games. He’s poised for more opportunities with the team out of the playoffs and should be a good contributor with his double-double and shot-blocking potential.
Trey Murphy 10 PTS | 8 AST | 1 BLK | 27.6 FPS
Murphy saw little involvement on offense today after consistently scoring 18+ points in nine games this month but still found ways to contribute and has yet to score in single digits this season. His shooting percentages were strong earlier in the month but have declined in past weeks, though he continues to provide elite contributions across multiple categories. However, with the team’s season over, he’s at risk of being shut down.
Kelly Olynyk 11 PTS | 7 REB | 5 AST | 25.9 FPS
KO could see a bigger role with Zion possibly getting shut down. He’s a capable scorer who has also provided strong rebounding lately and should be a solid addition in deeper leagues.
Bruce Brown 10 PTS | 4 REB | 2 STL | 23.3 FPS
Brown has made well-rounded contributions with strong steal numbers in his last two games, but his role remains too inconsistent to be considered for rostering.
Biggest Disappointment of the Game:
Tyus Jones 9 PTS | 3-11 FG | 6 AST
Jones has taken on a larger role in his last two games with the team shorthanded and should remain in the starting lineup. He snapped his slump with a strong double-double in his previous game but struggled again today.
