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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The playoffs are halfway through the first round and the matchups seem to be more competitive than expected. After three games, the Suns are having a hard time beating the Pelicans. The Pelicans lost to the Suns in game 1 by 11 points, though they returned the favor in game 2 beating Phoenix by 11.

Both the games were full of sequences and surprises. No one expected the Pelicans to give Phoenix a hard time. But in game 2, Devin Booker faced an injury and is out for 2-3 weeks. Game 3 was frustrating for both the teams, though the Suns got the best out of New Orleans.

Things are heating up in the NBA Playoffs

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Game 3 between the Suns and the Pelicans was pretty close. The Suns stepped up in the 2nd quarter, leading by 11. Though the Pelicans came back in the third to even things up. The Pelicans did all they could late in the fourth but couldn’t stop Chris Paul from scoring, as he was 10 of 18 from the field.

In the first quarter, Landry Shamet ran the transition and ended it with an and-1 poster on Jaxson Hayes. This was the highlight play of the game. In the middle of the second quarter, Hayes pushed Jae Crowder on purpose while going for the rebound. This was a dirty play by the Pelican and was ejected after this flagrant foul. Fans on Twitter sent all sorts of comments on this play.

https://twitter.com/01001100____/status/1517699830084104192?s=20&t=x_lq9sTC8maBETDoU5fBTA

https://twitter.com/durkios/status/1517700622396624896?s=20&t=x_lq9sTC8maBETDoU5fBTA

It was definitely a tight game, as Hayes seemed frustrated throughout. The Suns were playing without Devin Booker, which had the fans worried about game 3. But Chris Paul saved the game while it was slipping away.

READ MORE: ?League Is Shaking?: Early Morning Bombshell on Ben Simmons Turns NBA Playoffs Upside Down

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CP3 dropped 28 points and dished out 14 dimes on 55% shooting from the field. He definitely dominated in the mid-range after the first half.

Can the Suns get past the Pelicans without Booker?

Game 3 was a show set up by Chris Paul. He lead the team in scoring alongside Ayton. Not only did he contribute the most points, but displayed his IQ, as he filled the stat sheet with 14 assists. Paul is a true veteran and well-experienced guard. CP3 will definitely take things under his control, building confidence in his teammates.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Charles Barkley Raves About Chris Paul and Suns? Elite Defense vs Pelicans

How long can the Pelicans hold the Suns? Do let us know in the comments.