The New Orleans Pelicans could conceivably be ahead 3-1 in this first-round series if not for Chris Paul’s heroics and Phoenix winning the mental gymnastics in game 3. They have outscored the Suns by 31 points since overcoming first-half jitters during the opening contest.
The offense has shined when ignoring those first 24 minutes. Over the last seven halves of basketball, the Pelicans are averaging 121 points per game on 50.7% shooting from the field. They are dominating the glass by a 161-118 rebound margin. They are enjoying a 42-29 edge in fast break points and a 59-47 edge in second chance points.