Suns cruise past Pelicans 121-98 in dominant road win as Booker and Beal combine for 55 points

The Phoenix Suns dominated the New Orleans Pelicans, cruising to a dominant 121-98 road victory on December 26, 2025. Devin Booker led the charge with 28 points while Bradley Beal added 27 points, showcasing the Suns’ offensive firepower at Smoothie King Center. The impressive performance extended the Suns’ strong positioning in the competitive Western Conference.

Suns Cruise Past Pelicans with Balanced Offensive Attack

The Phoenix Suns came out with purpose in New Orleans, establishing early control and never looking back. Devin Booker orchestrated the offense with 28 points, connecting on key shots throughout the game. Bradley Beal provided complementary scoring with 27 points, proving the Suns’ dual-threat capability extends beyond their star power.

The 23-point margin highlighted the Suns’ dominance against a Pelicans team struggling with consistency. Phoenix’s defense forced New Orleans into difficult offensive situations, limiting their go-to scoring options and controlling the pace of play. The road victory demonstrated the team’s ability to perform in hostile environments.

Royce O’Neale Delivers Strong Bench Performance

Royce O’Neale stepped up as a key supporting piece for the Suns, posting 19 points and 7 rebounds from the bench. His two-way contribution provided depth that New Orleans couldn’t match from their reserves. O’Neale’s defensive versatility also played a role in limiting the Pelicans’ offensive options.

The presence of a productive bench unit separated the Suns from their opponents. Phoenix’s depth allowed players to maintain intensity and execution throughout all four quarters, preventing any late-game Pelicans rallies.

Game Statistics and Ball Movement

Pelicans Struggle Despite Home Court Advantage

The New Orleans Pelicans never found rhythm against the Suns‘ defensive intensity. Playing at home at Smoothie King Center typically provides an advantage, but Phoenix’s balanced approach neutralized that factor. The Pelicans shot poorly and couldn’t generate offensive momentum in key stretches.

This loss highlighted the Pelicans’ ongoing consistency issues. Despite moments of promise throughout the season, New Orleans continues to struggle against stronger Western Conference opponents. The 23-point defeat serves as a reminder of the work needed for playoff positioning.

What This Victory Means for the Suns’ Playoff Push

The Suns’ dominant road performance strengthens their playoff credentials as the season progresses. Wins like this, where multiple scoring threats step up and depth matters, showcase the team’s championship potential. Devin Booker and Bradley Beal continuing to produce at high levels suggests Phoenix can compete against any opponent in the Western Conference.

As the Suns navigate the second half of the season, maintaining this level of intensity on the road will be crucial. The ability to dominate quality opponents at their home arenas positions Phoenix favorably heading into the critical stretch run. Will the Suns maintain this momentum, or will consistency issues emerge?

Sources

• ESPN – Game box score and final statistics for Suns vs Pelicans December 26, 2025
• NBA.com – Official game recap with player performance details
• Fox Sports – Game analysis and team statistics

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.