ARIZONA – Phoenix Suns turned to Chris Paul in the fourth quarter as they held off New Orleans Pelicans, 110-99, in Game 1 of the NBA Western Conference first round series on Sunday night (Monday in the Philippines) at the Footprint Center in Phoenix.
The 36-year-old guard scored 19 of his 30 points in the payoff period to go with 10 assists, seven rebounds and three steals as the Suns took a 1-0 edge in the best-of-seven series.
After seeing their once 23-point lead trimmed to 79-71 heading into the fourth quarter, Paul took over for the Suns. He drained consecutive three three-pointers and a layup to keep the Pelicans at bay.
Devin Booker backed up Paul on offense with 25 points. DeAndre Ayton had 21 points, nine rebounds and four blocks, while Cameron Johnson and Mikal Bridges chipped in 13 and 11 points, respectively.
CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 25 points, but struggled with his shooting as he finished nine of 25 from the field. Jonas Valanciunas added 18 points and 25 rebounds as Brandon Ingram scored 18.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee Bucks went on a huge finishing run to defeat Chicago Bulls, 93-86, in the opener of their Eastern Conference first round series at the Fiserv Forum at Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
After seeing their lead turned to an 78-77 deficit, the Bucks leaned on a triple by Jrue Holiday, a three-point play by Brook Lopez and another two-pointer by Holiday for an 85-78 edge.
The Bulls made its last push at 86-87 but Lopez answered back with a jumper followed by free throws by Holiday and Khris Middleton to seal the win for the Bucks.
Lopez and Holiday finished the match with 18 and 15 points, respectively, while Giannis Antetokounmpo led the defending champions Bucks with double-double 27 points and 16 rebounds.
In other Game 1 results, Jayson Tatum scored on a game-winning layup as Boston Celtics edged Brooklyn Nets, 115-114, while Miami Heat turned back Atlanta Hawks, 115-91.
BOX SCORE:
PHOENIX 110 — Paul 30, Booker 25, Ayton 21, Johnson 13, Bridges 11, McGee 7, Payne 2, Crowder 1, Craig 0.
NEW ORLEANS 99 — McCollum 25, Valanciunas 18, Ingram 18, Nance 14, Marshall 6, Murphy 6, Jones 5, Hayes 4, Alvarado 3, Graham 0.
Quarterscores: 28-16, 53-34, 79-71, 110-99./PN
