Pelicans versus Pelicans. Suns score, takeaway: New Orleans uses great second half to sink Phoenix in Game 4, even in series

The New Orleans Pelicans defended the home court on Sunday night, pulling away from the Phoenix Suns for a 118-103 victory in Game 4 of their first-round series. Now tied at 2-2, the series will return to Phoenix for a decisive fifth game on Tuesday night.

As he has in every series, Brandon Ingram led the way for the Pelicans, finishing with 30 points, four rebounds and five assists. He was particularly noticed in the game-changing third quarter, scoring 18 points as the Pelicans turned a half into a double-digit lead. The Pels never trailed again and retired midway through the fourth quarter with an energetic run led by rookie defense Herb Jones and Jose Alvarado. They also got a big night from Jonas Valanciunas, who went for 26 points, 15 rebounds and four assists.

Deandre Ayton had 23 points for the Suns, while JaVale McGee added 14 off the bench on a perfect 7-of-7 shooting performance. Those two being top scorers is never a good sign for the Suns, however, and they just didn’t have enough offense in this game with Devin Booker still sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Here are some key points of the game:

Ingram leads the way

Brandon Ingram had never played in a playoff game before this season, a fact he didn’t after the team’s victory over the Los Angeles Clippers to clinch the No. 1. 8 seed.

“Man, that’s wonderful,” Ingram said at the time. “Just to have a chance to be in the playoffs this year. I’ve never had a winning record, I’ve never been in the playoffs. To have the chance to show my talent on the biggest stage, c ‘is wonderful.”

He took that chance and more. Sunday night, he put on another strong performance, finishing with 30 points, four rebounds and five assists for his third consecutive 30-point game in this series. He is the first player in Pelicans franchise history to accomplish this feat.

After the Pelicans cooled off late in the first half and gave up the lead, Ingram set the tone coming out of the break. He scored or assisted on five consecutive baskets to start the third quarter, putting the Pelicans back in front for good. Later, he threw a massive driving dunk that was the culmination of an 18-point frame.

It was a somewhat disappointing regular season for Ingram, as injuries limited him to just 55 games. Now that he’s fully healthy, he’s showing why he’s a potential perennial All-Star. If he continues to play at this level, the Pelicans have a real shot at stealing this series.

Jones and Alvarado hold defensive clinic

Pelicans rookies Herb Jones (second-round pick) and Jose Alvarado (undrafted) weren’t household names heading into the playoffs, but the duo earned plenty of recognition in the first four games. Game 4 on Sunday night was the crowning achievement at this point, as they harassed the Suns all night and led a key charge in the fourth quarter to help the Pels pull out.

Within minutes, Jones blocked a 3-pointer from Mikal Bridges – a stunning display of athleticism and timing – Alvarado forced an eight-second call on Chris Paul and Jones stole a pass into the area back before driving for an and-one on a flagrant foul by Paul. A seven-point lead turned into a 14-point lead and it was the ball game.

Late in the fourth, Alvarado put a bow on things by finally getting one of his signature stealth steals on Paul. The veteran notably waved Alvarado away when he tried to take the shot earlier in the series, but he let his guard down late in that game. Alvarado brushed the ball away and, fittingly, he found his way to Jones for a lay-up.

No magic in Paul’s fourth quarter

Twice in this series we’ve seen Chris Paul take control of the game in the fourth quarter, leading the Suns to wins in Games 1 and 3 with clinical execution in stride. His composure and shooting in Game 3, in particular, was Hall of Fame stuff, as he scored 19 points and scored or assisted on nine of the Suns’ 11 field goals in the frame.

There was no such magic on Sunday. In fact, Paul had one of the worst playoff performances of his career, finishing with just four points for 2 of 8 from the field and 11 assists. His four points, 25% field goal percentage, zero 3-pointers and zero free throws were all the worst or tied for the worst of his playoff career. There were also some unusual lapses in the stretch, as he was called for eight seconds and stripped by Alvarado for his trademark sneaky steal.

With Devin Booker still out with a hamstring injury, the Suns just can’t afford those kinds of nights from Paul. He doesn’t need to start trying to put 25-30 a game, but he’s one of the few players that they have who can constantly create his own shot and they need him to take even more of offensive burden if they want to beat that pesky Pelicans team.