3 Observations from Phoenix Suns Game 3 vs New Orleans Pelicans

The ending of Game 3 was exactly what the Phoenix Suns envisioned as their worst nightmare: CJ McCollum hit a 3-pointer as time expired. But instead of McCollum leading the Pelicans to an improbable 2-1 series lead, the Suns retook control of the series thanks to Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul’s dominant performances.

The Suns won 114-111 in a game that was never really in doubt. It was clear early on that the Pelicans had no answer for Paul or Ayton, while the Suns had enough answers to slow down Pelicans stars Brandon Ingram and McCollum.

The turning point of the game came with the ejection of Pelicans center Jaxson Hayes. Once Hayes got thrown out midway through the second quarter, there was no one able deter any Suns players at the rim. The Pelicans lost that physicality and that edge which made them overpower Phoenix in the first two games of the series.

When it was all said and done, the Suns turned back the clock to a basketball game resembling the 1990s to dominate the upstart Pelicans. The Suns set their second residence in the paint of the Smoothie King Center, scoring a staggering 64 points.

And from looking at this newly-acquired second home of the Suns, here are three observations from their crucial win over the Pelicans.