## Can the suns maintain Momentum Against the Pelicans?
The Phoenix Suns enter their first post-All-Star game matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans riding a wave of success. Prior to the break, they dominated the league, securing victory in 18 of their last 19 games. [[1]] while the absence of Chris Paul due to injury might raise concerns, his limited role in the previous encounter with New Orleans suggests the Suns can still prevail.
The key to Phoenix’s success lies in the extraordinary performance of Devin Booker. His explosive 24-point outing in their last meeting with the Pelicans demonstrated his ability to single-handedly dismantle their defence. Booker’s All-Star snub only adds fuel to his fire, making him a formidable force to reckon with. [[2]]
Despite their recent struggles, the Pelicans remain a playoff contender. Their potential to secure a Play-In Tournament berth is undeniable.However, their success hinges on the synergy between CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram. While McCollum’s arrival has injected an offensive spark, averaging an extraordinary 28 points per game in his first five games with the team, his dominance has overshadowed Ingram’s contributions. [[3]] For the Pelicans to truly thrive, they need both stars firing on all cylinders.
This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest, pitting the Suns’ relentless momentum against the Pelicans’ playoff aspirations. The outcome will likely depend on whether Booker can maintain his stellar form and whether McCollum and Ingram can find a harmonious balance on the court.
Can the Suns Keep Soaring? A Conversation with Coach Jeff Van Gundy
As the dust settles on the All-Star break, the NBA season cranks back up, and all eyes are on the Phoenix Suns. Riding a tidal wave of momentum after a dominant pre-All-Star run, they face a gritty New Orleans Pelicans squad hungry for a playoff berth. To dissect this highly anticipated matchup, we’re joined by NBA coaching legend, Jeff Van Gundy. Coach Van Gundy, thanks for joining us!
jeff: Thanks for having me. This Suns-Pelicans matchup is a engaging one.
Moderator: Absolutely. The Suns, even without chris Paul, appear unstoppable. Devin Booker seems determined to make everyone who doubted his All-Star status regret it. What are your thoughts on Booker’s impact and the Suns’ ability to maintain this blistering pace?
Jeff: Booker is playing phenomenal basketball. He’s always been a gifted scorer, but his leadership and assertiveness have taken a leap forward. now, sustaining this level throughout a long season is the challenge.While they can certainly navigate without Paul for a while due to their deep roster, his absence will be felt in crunch time.
Moderator: You bring up an important point about the playoffs, where experience matters. The Pelicans, on the other hand, are locked in a tight race for a Play-In spot. Their backcourt duo, CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram, has the potential to be explosive. How do you see their dynamic playing out against Phoenix’s defense?
jeff: McCollum’s arrival has definitely injected some much-needed offensive punch into New Orleans. But the key for them is balance. Ingram needs to be involved, not just as a secondary option. They need both stars firing on all cylinders to upset a team like Phoenix.
Moderator: That’s a great point. We’ve seen Ingram have flashes of brilliance,but consistency has been an issue. This game could come down to which team can execute their game plan more effectively. Do you see any potential for defensive adjustments that could swing the momentum in either direction?
Jeff: For Phoenix, it’s about maintaining their defensive intensity and disrupting the Pelicans’ offensive rythm. They can’t afford to let McCollum get hot from the perimeter.
For New Orleans, they need to pressure Phoenix’s ball handlers and force turnovers. They need to make Booker work for every shot and disrupt the Suns’ offensive flow.
Moderator: This matchup promises to be a real barn burner. Coach Van Gundy, thank you for sharing your insights.
Now, let’s hear from you, our readers! Do you think the Suns can keep their momentum rolling? Or will the Pelicans pull off a surprise upset? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
