It is without a doubt been a tough playoff so for the Phoenix Suns in their Western Conference quarterfinal series against the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite having a record of 64 wins and 18 losses, compared to a record of 36 wins and 46 losses for New Orleans, Phoenix found themselves deadlocked at two games apiece.
Heading into game five, momentum was on the Pelicans’ side. New Orleans beat Phoenix 118-103 on Sunday to tie the series, and the Suns were needing something from someone after Devin Booker sprained his hamstring in game two, and the fact the Suns only got four points from star point guard Chris Paul in game four.
On Tuesday in game five from Phoenix, the Suns player who stepped up was small forward Mikal Bridges of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was Bridges who led the Suns in scoring with 31 points.
In the process Bridges became only the seventh player in NBA playoff history to have a 30-point night, with four blocks and four three-pointers. The others according to ESPN, were Kawhi Leonard, Dirk Nowitzki, the late Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant.
Bridges made all four of his shots from downtown, made 12 of his 17 field goal attempts, five rebounds, two assists and one steal. It was also a bounce back night for Paul, who had 22 points and 11 assists. Two other Suns players reached double digits in scoring as Deandre Ayton had 19 points in a starting role, and Cameron Payne had 12 points coming off the bench. The Suns are now leading three games to two and can close out the series on Thursday.
