Despite being dominated all day, underdog Phoenix came away with the 97-95 upset of New Orleans. "What a strange game," remarked Phoenix coach Bob afterwards. "New Orleans were by far the better team today, but couldn't get the win. If I hadn't been keeping track of the score, I'd have thought we lost badly. But somehow we came out on top."

The sense of disbelief was apparent in the New Orleans locker room afterwards. "We thought we did everything right," said star Ensley. "We executed our game plan, both on offense and defense, and did what we needed to do. But a few plays make or break the game, and those all went the wrong way. Just a demoralizing way to lose."

Phoenix was led by Whitfield (20 points, 25 boards, 3 assists, 2 steals, 5 blocks), Jeanlouis (18 points, 9 boards, 4 assists, a block), Kennedy (9 points, 6 boards, 1 assists, a steal, 2 blocks). New Orleans was led by Ensley (33 points, 2 steals), Jaramillo (17 points, 6 boards, 1 assists, 7 blocks), Phelan (21 points, 7 boards, 0 assists, 2 blocks).

With this victory, Phoenix are now 4-8. They hold at #4 in the Pacific and remain at #14 overall in the Western Conference. New Orleans fall to 8-4 and 5-2 at home after the loss. They remain at #2 in the Southwest and hold at #4 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Phoenix roster New Orleans roster