Too bad for the Pelicans, they have just arrived at the playoffs but the chances for them against the Suns is really slim because their caliber is not the same as the Suns. Unfortunately, fate isn't their side as there's no way they can move to the 2nd round without getting a fight against the Suns.
McCollum and Ingram's points didn't amount so much because DeAndre and Booker already have that points covered, also CP3 almost got a triple double. That guy is really good at setting up the table for his team and if his team cannot make the shot, he can always make it.
Yeah, the Pelicans just don't stand a chance of winning the Suns in the first round of the playoffs. However, I would note Valanchunis' phenomenal performance in this match as the Suns couldn't handle him and allowed him to grab 25 rebounds, including 13 offensive rebounds. It's crazy stats! So this guy will most likely surprise us in the upcoming matches, and I guess the Pelicans will be able to win at least 1 game in this series, thanks to him.
Yes, that's the only bright side on the Pelicans lost, Valanchunis performance specially those big rebounds. Remind us of Rodman's number during his prime as a Detroit player. Also, you would like what Valanchunis did here, posting down like Barkley, backing up and scoring. Just their shooting though that really hurt them in this first game. As they allowed the Suns to have a good lead in the first quarter. And Phoenix is one team that is good at protecting their lead. Hopefully, they can come back and make this series interesting.