In a thrilling holiday matchup on December 26, 2025, the Phoenix Suns edged out the New Orleans Pelicans with a final score of 115-108. The Suns capitalized on strong offensive execution and key defensive stops down the stretch to secure the victory at home. This win marked an important step in Phoenix’s pursuit of a playoff spot, while the Pelicans fought hard but ultimately fell short in a competitive contest. Here’s a full recap of the game’s pivotal moments and standout performances.
Suns Secure Narrow Victory Over Pelicans in Intense Holiday Showdown
The Phoenix Suns eked out a hard-fought 115-108 triumph against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, delivering an electrifying holiday contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer. Devin Booker led the charge for the Suns with a stellar 34-point performance, showcasing his sharpshooting and clutch scoring ability. Complementing Booker’s efforts, Chris Paul added 12 points and a crucial 10 assists, orchestrating the offense with precision during the game’s most pivotal moments. The Suns’ defensive resilience was tested repeatedly, but key stops in the final minutes helped seal the victory.
New Orleans fought valiantly behind Zion Williamson’s dominant 28 points and 11 rebounds, but inconsistent outside shooting and turnovers ultimately stalled their comeback attempts. Highlights from the night included:
- Booker’s 5-for-9 shooting from beyond the arc
- Paul’s game-high +15 plus/minus rating
- Pelicans’ bench contributing 30 points
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Booker (PHX) | 34 | 5 | 6 |
| Chris Paul (PHX) | 12 | 3 | 10 |
| Zion Williamson (NOP) | 28 | 11 | 4 |
| Brandon Ingram (NOP) | 22 | 6 | 3 |
Devin Booker’s Leadership and Scoring Prowess Propel Suns to Win
Devin Booker once again demonstrated why he is one of the league’s premier scorers, leading the Phoenix Suns with a commanding performance that ignited the team’s offense. Finishing the game with 34 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, Booker orchestrated the Suns’ attack with precision and confidence. His ability to penetrate the Pelicans’ defense and convert crucial baskets in the fourth quarter proved decisive, especially during a pivotal 10-2 run that shifted the momentum irrevocably in Phoenix’s favor. Beyond the points, Booker’s leadership on the floor was evident, as he actively engaged teammates, contributing to seamless ball movement and encouraging defensive intensity.
- Key moments: Back-to-back step-back jumpers in the final minutes
- Assist highlight: Creative alley-oop to Deandre Ayton in the third quarter
- Defensive impact: Multiple steals leading to fast break points
His presence elevated the entire Suns roster, enabling role players to find open shots and maintain pressure throughout the game. Booker’s clutch scoring underlined his growth as a consummate floor general, one capable of both producing points and uplifting his team’s dynamics in high-stake situations. The synergy between Booker and center Deandre Ayton, who contributed a double-double, proved especially effective, as the Pelicans struggled to keep pace with the Suns’ balanced and high-octane offense.
| Player | Points | Assists | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Booker | 34 | 7 | 5 |
| Deandre Ayton | 22 | 3 | 12 |
| Chris Paul | 15 | 9 | 4 |
Key Defensive Adjustments and Strategic Moves That Sealed the Game for Phoenix
The Suns’ defensive resilience in the closing quarters was a decisive factor in thwarting the Pelicans’ late surge. Phoenix’s switch to a high-intensity man-to-man defense disrupted New Orleans’ rhythm, limiting their ability to penetrate and forcing contested perimeter shots. Tyson Chandler Jr.’s pivotal role as a rim protector altered multiple attempts, showcasing his impressive timing and defensive awareness. The Suns also effectively utilized their zone defense adjustments on select possessions, cutting down easy paint access and forcing the Pelicans into lower-percentage outside shots.
- Increased ball pressure on Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum, leading to forced turnovers
- Double teams in pick-and-roll situations that prevented clean passes and disrupted flow
- Defensive rebounds control by Deandre Ayton, limiting second-chance points
Alongside the defensive intensity, strategic offensive pacing allowed the Suns to control the clock and dictate the game tempo. Coach Monty Williams implemented critical timeout adjustments to recalibrate the team’s defensive assignments seamlessly after Pelicans’ scoring runs. This strategic flexibility enabled Phoenix to close the game with key stops, converting defense into transition opportunities. The synergy between defensive discipline and opportunistic offense created the perfect formula to seal the 115-108 victory.
| Defensive Metric | 1st Half | 2nd Half | Final |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opponent FG % | 48.5% | 38.7% | 43.6% |
| Forced Turnovers | 5 | 12 | 17 |
| Defensive Rebounds | 18 | 24 | 42 |
Concluding Remarks
The Phoenix Suns secured a hard-fought 115-108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on December 26, 2025, showcasing resilience and balanced team effort. With key contributions on both ends of the floor, the Suns improved their standing in the Western Conference, while the Pelicans remain poised to regroup and make adjustments. This matchup adds another compelling chapter to the season as both teams continue their pursuit of playoff positioning.
