The Phoenix Suns and the New Orleans Pelicans are emerging as one of the new rivalries in the NBA at the moment. This is thanks in large part to Zion Williamson throwing down a massive 360 dunk in the dying seconds of their 128-117 win over the Suns on Friday.

These two teams faced off again in another intended battle on Sunday, with the Pelicans once again emerging victorious with a final score of 129-124. There was one particular controversial moment in the game, though, when a Suns broadcaster accused New Orleans of utilizing fake boos.

Chris Paul, who spent a few years with the Pelicans a while back, did not receive a very warm welcome from the home fans in New Orleans. The point god was showered by some massive boos by the crowd, which prompted a rather incriminating conspiracy theory from Suns commentator Eddie Johnson:

“I think I have a little tech in me,” said Johnson (h/t Larry Brown Sports). “They are booing, but they got a machine in here that kinda echoes the boos, okay? Trust me, this crowd is not as loud as it seems.

Article Continues Below
Related Phoenix Suns News
timberwolves, Kevin Durant, Dejounte Murray, and Jarrett Allen
3 early Minnesota Timberwolves trade targets in 2025 NBA offseasonGarrett Kerman ·
Naz Reid playing for Timberwolves with T-Wolves logo in background.
Ranking 3 best Naz Reid free-agency destinations if he leaves TimberwolvesBailey Bassett ·
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) looks to pass the ball against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the second half at Smoothie King Center.
NBA rumors: Bucks star named ‘ideal’ Zion Williamson Pelicans partnerPreston Byers ·
Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) shoots the ball against Alabama Crimson Tide center Clifford Omoruyi (11) during the second half in the East Regional final of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center.
Ranking 5 best Kon Knueppel destinations in 2025 NBA DraftJulian Ojeda ·
New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) reacts after scoring a basket during the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center.
Pelicans’ CJ McCollum celebrates brother Errick at Euroleague Final FourZachary Howell ·
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (2) against the LA Clippers on a free throw attempt during the first half at Smoothie King Center.
Pelicans rumors: The All-Defensive star pinpointed as valuable trade targetBenedetto Vitale ·

“They’re loud, I’ll give them their respect. But they got a machine in here that’s really working wonders, man. I’ll tell you that right now ’cause I’m looking at people’s mouths, and they’re not saying anything. But yet, it’s a lot of boos.”

Johnson clearly doesn't believe that the Pelicans fans are as loud as how they seem on the broadcast. He was in the arena during the game, and he's now accusing the Pelicans of using some sort of machine to make their crowd sound louder than it actually is.

For what it's worth, these two teams face off again on Saturday. This time around, it's going to be in Phoenix, so Suns fans will get a chance to prove to the Pelicans how it's actually done — without any fake noise.