Dyson Daniels was a bright light for New Orleans in his encouraging return from a knee injury, but it was Devin Booker who once again caused trouble for the Pelicans in Phoenix's NBA win.
The Suns won 124-111 on the Pelicans' home court on Tuesday (AEST).
This was Australian guard Daniels' second NBA game since returning from a torn meniscus that required knee surgery in February.
The 21-year-old had nine points, seven rebounds, five assists and two steals in 25 minutes off the bench.
He played most of the final quarter and was the only Pelicans player with a positive point differential (10).
Daniels made his NBA return two days ago against Boston, while also enjoying a one-time appearance with the club's G League affiliate, filling out the stat sheet with 22 points, six assists and seven steals as the team's primary option.
The youngster only played limited minutes in the Boomers' 2023 World Cup campaign, but Australia coach Brian Gaugien told AAP that Melbourne United's team is competing for a place on the plane to the Paris Olympics later this year. He said he is facing pressure from former NBA championship winner Matthew Dellavedova.
But Daniels' improved physicality and athleticism since his return undoubtedly impressed Gaujan, just as Pelicans coach Willie Green was impressed on another depressing night.
“He was really good. Physically and defensively, you could see something click,” Green said of the Australian.
“He was aggressive in making steals and deflections.
“He's going to continue to grow and get even better, but we all liked what he did on the floor tonight.”
Green credited Booker (52 points on 19-of-28 shooting, including nine 3-pointers) with making his own shots, but said his guys were too reluctant to allow others. “It was sweet,” he said.
It was Booker's second 50-point game of the season against the Pelicans, and the two sides will meet again on Monday in Phoenix.
Kevin Durant scored 20 points, Jusuf Nurkic had 19 points and 19 rebounds, and the Suns (44-31) moved within one game of the Pelicans (45-30) for sixth place in the Western Conference.
In Charlotte, Jayson Tatum had 25 points and 10 rebounds, Sam Hauser had 25 points with seven triples, and the Boston Celtics avenged their season-opening loss to the Hornets with a 118-104 win.
Kristaps Porzingis had 20 points and Derrick White had 19 points and nine rebounds for the Celtics, who have won 11 of their past 13 games.
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 40 points and Memphis cruised to a 110-108 victory over Detroit, giving the Pistons their ninth victory in their last 10 games.
Franz Wagner scored 20 points and host Orlando escaped with a 104-103 victory over struggling Portland.
Deandre Ayton missed an open baseline jumper at the final horn for the Blazers, who have lost 10 straight games.
In Indianapolis, Tyrese Haliburton had 27 points and 13 assists to lead Indiana to a 133-111 victory over Brooklyn.
And DeMar DeRozan's 31 points weren't enough for Chicago, which lost 113-101 at home to an Atlanta team whose four starters scored between 15 and 20 points.