The Phoenix rearguard had already scored more than 50 points (51) against Chicago in late November. For his eighth season in the NBA, the 26-year-old Michigan native became the sixth-youngest player in the league to reach 12,000 points.
In front of him, Zion Williamson did not deserve, scoring 30 points, but New Orleans could not resist the flashback of Phoenix, who was already only five units behind at the end of the third quarter.
And if the Pelicans had beaten the Suns twice recently, the Louisiana franchise has a third straight loss that somewhat tarnishes their strong start to the season, with an 18-11 record.
Leader Memphis (19-10) also lost, to everyone’s surprise, to Oklahoma after a seven-game winning streak.
Ja Morant, author of a triple double two days earlier in the clash with the Bucks, this time he missed (6 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists), during a truncated game for him: the Grizzlies star was sent off just before the break after cashing in two technical fouls for rude comments to referees.
Memphis was already trailing (61-40) and failed to raise the bar despite Dillon Brooks’ six three-point field goals (32 points total).
On the “OKC” side, stripped of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, Lu Dort and Isaiah Joe scored 24 and 23 points respectively, allowing the Thunder to end a five-game losing streak.
In Cleveland, in the “Cavs-Mavs” duel, the last word went to the first nominated, thanks to a victorious dunk by Jarrett Allen (100-99), in what constitutes the fifth success in as many extensions this season for Cleveland .
Also on Saturday night, the Milwaukee Bucks (21-8) did not shake against the Utah Jazz (123-97), despite the absence of their great star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, due to a knee injury.
On the West Coast, Kawhi Leonard took some time to find the rhythm, with 0/4 shooting in the first quarter, but in the end he allowed, with 31 points – his season high – the Clippers to dominate the Washington Wizards (102 -93). LA remains in pace in the standings (7th, 18-14).
Further south, Mexico returned to the NBA during a game between the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs in front of more than 20,000 spectators.
It was the Spurs who got off to a good start, but the Floridians closed the game defensively in the final act, winning 110-101.
Jimmy Butler scored 26 points as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver watched as he reaffirmed Mexican League ambitions.