PHOENIX — Zion Williamson had his first career triple-double with 27 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists, and the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Phoenix Suns 124-116 on Thursday night for their third straight victory.
Williamson’s 11 assists tied a career high. He made 13 of 17 shots and joined Steven Adams (2021) as the only Pelicans player with 75% shooting in a triple-double.
“It’s dope,” Williamson said of finally achieving a triple-double. “It’s funny because there were so many times where I feel like it could have happened, but I never like forced the issue on it. But tonight, my teammates were like, ‘Nah, got to get it tonight.’
“So I got to thank my coach (Willie Green) and my teammates.”
It’s been an up-and-down season for Williamson, who’s appeared in only 22 of New Orleans’ 59 games and also was suspended for one game last month due to repeated violations, the tipping point when he was late for a team flight.
He said Thursday night’s performance was a reminder of just how good he can be.
“Absolutely. These nights I think are definitely big for the confidence and just a reminder in who I am,” he said.
CJ McCollum added 19 points in the opener of a two-game set in Phoenix to help New Orleans match its longest winning streak of the season.
Phoenix climbed out of an 18-point hole in the first half and had a 91-88 lead after three quarters. But the Pelicans dominated most of the fourth, and Williamson made two tough buckets in the paint down the stretch to seal the win.
New Orleans improved to 5-24 on the road this season. All five starters scored in double figures, including Trey Murphy III, who had 18 points and made five 3-pointers. Yves Missi added 11 points and 10 rebounds.
The fading Suns have lost seven of their last eight. Devin Booker had 36 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Kevin Durant scored 28 points.
New Orleans scored the first 13 points of the second quarter to take a 48-30 lead, but the Suns rallied for a 62-61 advantage by halftime. Booker scored 17 points before the break.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Source: espn.com