30 Facts About Pelicans Vs. Suns

Pelicans vs. Suns: A Rivalry in the Making

The NBA is full of exciting matchups, but few have the potential to become as thrilling as the budding rivalry between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns. Both teams have young stars and a lot of promise. Here are some fascinating facts about their head-to-head battles and individual team histories.

1. The New Orleans Pelicans were established in 2002 as the New Orleans Hornets before rebranding in 2013.
2. The Phoenix Suns have been around since 1968, making them one of the older franchises in the NBA.
3. The Pelicans' mascot, Pierre the Pelican, underwent a redesign in 2014 after fans found the original version too scary.
4. The Suns' mascot, Go the Gorilla, is one of the most famous mascots in sports, known for his high-flying dunks and antics.

Head-to-Head Matchups

When these two teams face off, it's always a spectacle. Let's dive into some head-to-head facts that make this matchup intriguing.

5. The Suns and Pelicans have faced each other over 60 times in regular-season games.
6. Phoenix holds the edge in the all-time series, winning more than half of the matchups.
7. The highest-scoring game between these two teams occurred in 2019, with the Suns winning 139-132.
8. The Pelicans' largest margin of victory over the Suns was a 48-point blowout in 2018.

Star Players and Key Performances

Both teams have had their share of star players who have made significant impacts during these matchups.

9. Chris Paul, who currently plays for the Suns, was originally drafted by the New Orleans Hornets in 2005.
10. Zion Williamson, the Pelicans' young star, scored a career-high 37 points against the Suns in a 2021 game.
11. Devin Booker of the Suns once scored 58 points in a single game against the Pelicans.
12. Brandon Ingram, another Pelicans standout, has averaged over 25 points per game in matchups against the Suns.

Memorable Moments

Certain games and moments stand out in the history of this budding rivalry.

13. In 2020, the Pelicans and Suns played a thrilling overtime game that ended with a 138-136 victory for the Pelicans.
14. The Suns' 17-game winning streak in the 2021-2022 season included a crucial win against the Pelicans.
15. The Pelicans' first-ever playoff series win came in 2018, but they have yet to face the Suns in the postseason.

Coaching and Strategy

Coaching plays a significant role in how these teams perform against each other.

16. Monty Williams, the current head coach of the Suns, previously coached the Pelicans from 2010 to 2015.
17. Willie Green, the Pelicans' head coach, was an assistant coach for the Suns before taking the job in New Orleans.
18. Both teams emphasize fast-paced, high-scoring offenses, making their games particularly exciting to watch.
19. Defensive strategies often focus on containing the opposing team's star players, like Zion Williamson and Devin Booker.

Fan Engagement and Culture

The fans of both teams bring a unique energy to these matchups, adding to the excitement.

20. Pelicans fans are known for their passionate support, often filling the Smoothie King Center to capacity.
21. Suns fans have a reputation for being some of the loudest in the NBA, especially during playoff runs.
22. Both teams have strong social media followings, with fans engaging in friendly banter online.
23. The "Pelicans vs. Suns" games often feature special promotions and events to enhance the fan experience.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the future seems bright for both franchises, promising more thrilling matchups.

24. The Pelicans have a young core led by Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, poised for future success.
25. The Suns, with veterans like Chris Paul and young stars like Devin Booker, are perennial playoff contenders.
26. Both teams have made significant investments in player development and scouting, ensuring a steady influx of talent.
27. The rivalry is expected to grow as both teams continue to improve and compete for playoff spots.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and quirky facts about the Pelicans and Suns that you might not know.

28. The Pelicans' name was chosen through a fan vote, reflecting Louisiana's state bird.
29. The Suns' name was also selected via a fan contest, beating out other options like "Scorpions" and "Rattlers."
30. Both teams have unique pre-game rituals, with the Pelicans often performing a "Pelican Dance" and the Suns engaging in a team huddle chant.

Final Thoughts on Pelicans vs. Suns

Pelicans and Suns games are always a thrill. Both teams bring unique strengths to the court, making each matchup unpredictable. The Pelicans, with their young talent and explosive plays, often surprise their opponents. Meanwhile, the Suns' seasoned players and strategic gameplay keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Watching these two teams clash is a treat for any basketball enthusiast. Whether you're rooting for the Pelicans' rising stars or the Suns' experienced roster, there's no denying the excitement these games deliver.

Next time you catch a Pelicans vs. Suns game, remember the facts we've shared. They'll give you a deeper appreciation for the skills and strategies at play. Enjoy the game, and may the best team win!