The Phoenix Suns’ recent loss against the New Orleans Pelicans couldn’t have come at a bad time, especially after the team is hunting for a playoff spot. For head coach Frank Vogel, though, their opponents’ excessive fouling on Devin Booker is something he has a problem with.

In that game, the Pelicans went home with the 113-105 win over Phoenix. CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson combined to lift their team up, with the former dropping 31 points on 58 percent shooting from beyond the arc. Williamson put up a great defensive performance by blocking five shots and grabbing 10 boards to go along with his 29 points and seven assists.

Apr 3, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots over Cleveland Cavaliers forward Georges Niang (20) during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Suns, on the other hand, had a big scoring night from the team’s All-Star trio. Bradley Beal posted 33 points and five assists, Devin Booker made 25 points and seven assists, while Kevin Durant tallied 23 points on an abysmal 36 percent shooting from the field. Apart from the three, Grayson Waller was the only Phoenix player who scored in double-digits with 11 points.

The loss placed Phoenix in a tie with NOLA for the Western Conference’s sixth spot. Both teams now have a record of 46 wins and 32 losses.

Phoenix Suns Coach Frank Vogel Called New Orleans Pelicans After Excessive Fouling on Devin Booker

After the game, Frank Vogel spoke to reporters and mentioned how the Pelicans ganged up on Booker the entire night. In a video shared by Duane Rankin on X:

During the Suns’ last three games against New Orleans, Booker scored 50 points or more against them. This contest, though, the Pels have taken notice and intensified their defense against the All-Star guard. NOLA’s effort paid off as they go home with the big win over the Suns, placing them in a tie for the sixth spot in the process.

With only a couple of games remaining in the regular season, it’s going to be a dogfight between these two teams to grab the last sure spot in the West. Otherwise, one of these teams is going to land in the Play-In Tournament, along with other teams projected to participate, such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, and Golden State Warriors.