The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the visiting Phoenix Suns, 128-117, at Smoothie King Center on Friday evening.

The game got out to a tight start as the Suns led 27-26 after one quarter. The score stayed close through the second, but the Pelicans pulled ahead to a three-point lead at the break. The hosts carried the momentum into the third and outscored the Suns by 10 points in the quarter to take a 13-point lead into the fourth. The Pelicans stayed on top for most of the fourth and came up clutch in the final minutes to secure their sixth straight win. This marks the third straight loss for the Suns.

Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 35 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, in 37 minutes. Jose Alvarado followed up with 20 points, two assists and three steals, while C.J. McCollum tallied 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists and a steal. The Pelicans shot 51 percent from the field, including 8-of-27 from long range.

Meanwhile, Deandre Ayton led the Suns with 25 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block, in 40 minutes. Chris Paul followed up with 24 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Torrey Craig and Devin Booker totaled 14 points each. The Suns shot 50 percent from the field, including 22-of-44 from deep.

The Pelicans (17-8) and Suns (16-10) clash again in Phoenix on Sunday.