We should have seen the slow start coming from a mile away in the Pelicans’ 110-99 loss to the Suns in the opening game of this first-round playoff series.
New Orleans was playing their third game in five days, with the first two consisting of mentally and physically draining do-or-die contests. Meanwhile, Phoenix entered this game with a whole week of rest from competitive hoops.
The level of preparation and energy from the best team in basketball was apparent from tip-off. The Suns were crisp in their execution on both ends of the court; the Pelicans couldn’t even knock down open field goal attempts.