With a chance to pull to .500, the New Orleans Pelicans (1-3) continued their trend of struggling in the 3rd quarter. It cost them again Tuesday night, falling to the Phoenix Suns (3-1) by the score of 104-98.

Leading by 10 in the third quarter, New Orleans began falling apart defensively, giving up uncontested corner 3s due to poor defensive rotation. Suns guard Gerald Green hit a career-high 6 triples, while Phoenix point guard Eric Bledsoe got to the rim at will, finishing with a game-high 25.

"We had a good first quarter, but after that we went away from the things that are necessary for us to be good," Pelicans coach Monty Williams explained. "The second half was just totally not the way we play in practice."

In 4 games this season, New Orleans has continually struggled after halftime, lacking the energy and tempo they've shown in the first half. The Pelicans led by 4 at the half.

Anthony Davis scored a season-low 17, but continued to play like an All-Star, tallying a double-double with 11 rebounds and 5 blocks. He is currently the only player in the league with at least 3 blocks in every game this season.

Backup point guard Brian Roberts was thrust into action early when Jrue Holiday picked up two quick fouls. Roberts  was adequate on offense, finishing with 17 points, 5 assists, a career-high 3 steals, and zero turnovers.

Eric Gordon led New Orleans in scoring with 20, but got 14 in the first half. He, like the rest of his teammates, struggled to find consistent offense in the second half. Jason Smith scored 13, while Anthony Morrow added 10 off the bench.

New Orleans will try to bounce back tonight in a tough road matchup with the Memphis Grizzlies (2-2). Tip-off from the FedEx Forum is set for 7:00.

 

More From 103.3 The GOAT