The Pelicans cut the Suns' lead to seven points heading into the fourth quarter before Chris Paul took over, scoring 19 of his 30 points in the quarter.
Suns coach Monty Williams said it was a"physical and emotional game," but said he didn't think the contact on Ayton was a cheap shot:"I'm not quite sure it was a malicious shot. I got to look at the film to make sure, but I didn't see that."The No. 1 Phoenix Suns lead the No. 8 New Orleans Pelicans 51-32 at halftime. The fully-rested Suns blitzed the Pelicans on both sides of the ball, leading by as many as 22 points in the first half.
The Bucks also started like they were keyed up on adrenaline. But all that energy soon dissipated and Milwaukee had to fight for a 93-86 victory in a slugfest despite 27 points and 16 rebounds for Giannis Antetokounmpo.The opening adrenaline soon wore off and Milwaukee’s shots started clanging off the rim after going 14 for 26 in the first quarter.The Bucks took a 51-43 lead into the locker room after Antetokounmpo made 1 of 2 from the charity stripe with 0.
The Bucks fought back by scoring the final six points of the third quarter to take a 74-71 advantage. Portis drained a 3-pointer from the left corner and Antetokounmpo converted a three-point play after an acrobatic layup. Vucevic gave Chicago the lead again at 78-77 a few minutes later and Antetokounmpo checked back in. Holiday countered with his first 3-pointer after missing his first three attempts.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans NBA Playoffs Game 1 live updates, scoreThe Phoenix Suns host the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs on Sunday night at 6 p.m. Follow our live updates.
Read more »
'Dominant' Phoenix Suns favorite to win it all, open playoffs vs. New Orleans PelicansNBA on TNT and NBA TV analysts Greg Anthony and Stan Van Gundy are picking the 64-win Phoenix Suns to win an NBA championship this season.
Read more »
Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans: What you need to know about Game 1 of the NBA playoffs seriesRundown of biggest storyline, key matchup, team stats, who could emerge as Suns' X-factor, and injury report for Sunday's Game 1 in Phoenix.
Read more »
Who can stop Suns' Devin Booker? Pelicans rookie Herbert Jones up for challengeHerbert Jones has earned Devin Booker's respect. Here's a look at the rookie who'll look to guard the three-time All-Star in Suns-Pelicans series.
Read more »
How - and why - to watch Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns in Round 1 of the NBA PlayoffsThe Phoenix Suns, led by Devin Booker and Chris Paul, meet the New Orleans Pelicans in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs, on Bally Sports Arizona and TNT.
Read more »
Phoenix Suns favorites to win NBA title, but they still feel disrespected. Are they overlooked?The Phoenix Suns enter the NBA playoffs as the favorite to win the championship, but they still feel disrespected. Are they being overlooked as the front-runner?
Read more »