By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Jonas Valanciunas scored 18 points and pulled down 25 rebounds to go along with three assists in 31 minutes but the New Orleans Pelicans lost, 110-99, to the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs’ first-round best-of-seven series in Footprint Center Sunday night.
The Lithuanian center was forced to 7/21 field goals but grabbed a career-high 13 offensive rebounds and became the first player in franchise history with more than 20 rebounds in a single postseason contest. The Pels outrebounded the top-seeded Suns 55-35 but still did not get the job done on the road.
Chris Paul banking in 19 out of his game-high 30 points in the fourth quarter was the difference-maker for the hosts. Brilliant showing also generated ten assists, seven rebounds, three steals, and one block. Devin Booker threw in 25 more points and Deandre Ayton had 21 points.
Danish two-way player Gabriel Lundberg was inactive along with injured Croatian Dario Saric (right knee). In addition, Spanish Willy Hernangomez did not play for the Pelicans.
Coming up in Game 2 in the same venue Tuesday evening. Switching to New Orleans, Game 3 and Game 4 will be held at Smoothie King Center Friday and Sunday, respectively.
Earlier in the NBA Sundays schedule, the defending champions Milwaukee Bucks powered by Giannis Antetokounmpo beat the Chicago Bulls, Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics edged out the Brooklyn Nets, and the Miami Heat rolled the Atlanta Hawks. All winning sides went up 1-0 in their respective best-of-seven series.
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