Suns eliminate Pelicans with Game 6 victory

The defending Western Conference champion Phoenix Suns advanced to the second round of the NBA Playoffs with a 115-109 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 6 on Thursday.

The top-seeded Suns, who were heavily favoured to win the first-round series, survived a tough test from the Pelicans, who had to qualify for the playoffs via the Play-in Tournament.

Suns point guard Chris Paul had a historic night, hitting all 14 shots he took to finish with 33 points and adding eight assists.

Booker returned to action for the Suns after suffering a hamstring injury, posting 13 points in the victory.

Phoenix will face the winner of the series between the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz in the next round.  The Mavs currently lead the best-of-seven series 3-2.