The Phoenix Suns kicked off their post Christmas road trip with a statement of resilience, overcoming a sluggish shooting night to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 115-108 on Friday, December 26, 2025. In a physical encounter at the Smoothie King Center, Devin Booker once again proved why he is one of the premier closers in the league, scoring 12 of his game high 30 points in the final period. The victory moved the Suns to 17-13 on the season and provided a crucial momentum boost for the first leg of their four game journey away from home.

The game was far from a clinic in offensive efficiency. Both teams struggled significantly from beyond the arc, each shooting a dismal 20 percent from three point range. The Suns connected on just 5 of 24 attempts from deep, while the Pelicans were equally cold. However, what Phoenix lacked in rhythm, they made up for with grit in the paint and dominance on the glass. The Suns outrebounded New Orleans 31-23 in the first half alone, turning 12 offensive rebounds into a vital 17-6 edge in second chance points.

Booker and Williams Take Control

While Booker provided the perimeter scoring and playmaking, center Mark Williams was the engine in the interior. Williams finished with a massive double double, tallying 24 points and 13 rebounds. His chemistry with Booker reached its peak in the fourth quarter. After Zion Williamson sank a free throw to give the Pelicans a 100-97 lead with less than five minutes remaining, the Suns responded with an 18-8 closing run.

Booker initiated the surge by drawing fouls and knocking down free throws, before finding Williams for a thunderous alley oop dunk that silenced the New Orleans faithful. Williams’ ability to convert at the line was equally impressive, as he made four consecutive free throws during the stretch to keep the Pelicans at bay. Collin Gillespie also provided a much needed spark, scoring 16 points, including a crucial 15 foot jumper in the final two minutes to ice the game.

Pelicans Undone by Free Throw Struggles

For the New Orleans Pelicans, the loss was a case of missed opportunities, particularly at the charity stripe. Despite a strong performance from Zion Williamson, who finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, the team’s collective shooting at the free throw line was catastrophic. New Orleans went 25 of 42 from the line, missing 17 shots that could have easily swung the outcome of the game.

Jordan Poole and Trey Murphy III each contributed 19 points for the Pelicans, with Poole keeping the game close in the first half with a pair of long distance triples and a four point play. However, as the game tightened in the fourth quarter, the Pelicans' offensive flow sputtered. They were unable to capitalize on Phoenix’s 19 turnovers, and their inability to secure defensive rebounds allowed the Suns to control the tempo when it mattered most.

Injury Concerns for the Suns

The victory did come with a shadow of concern for Phoenix. Second year forward Ryan Dunn was forced to exit the game in the second quarter due to an apparent injury. Dunn has been a key part of the Suns' defensive rotation, and his absence was felt as the Pelicans made several runs in the third quarter to briefly take the lead. The team has not yet released a detailed update on his status, but his availability will be a major storyline heading into the back to back rematch.

Despite the "sloppy" nature of the game, Suns coach Mike Budenholzer praised his team's "find a way" attitude. Winning on a night where shots aren't falling is often the hallmark of a playoff caliber team, and the Suns showed they can win through physicality and rebounding just as effectively as they can through high scoring barrages.

The two teams won't have long to dwell on the result, as they are scheduled for an immediate rematch on Saturday night at the Smoothie King Center. For New Orleans, the priority will be improving their free throw shooting and finding a way to neutralize the Booker Williams pick and roll. For Phoenix, the focus remains on sustaining their defensive intensity and hoping for a return to form from their outside shooters.

With the Western Conference standings remaining incredibly tight, every game carries significant weight. By securing the first half of this mini series, the Suns have guaranteed at least a split on the road, but with Booker playing at an elite level, they will undoubtedly be hunting for the sweep.