The series between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Phoenix Suns has been closer than most people expected. After dropping Game 1 in embarrassing fashion, CJ McCollum and co. bounced back with a statement win in Game 2. Now, with news of Devin Booker's hamstring injury, fans are gearing up for a potential upset.

However, McCollum himself cautioned Pelicans fans on the risks of counting out the Suns. Speaking to reporters, the former Blazers star used an age-old idiom when referring to their opponents, saying that: (via NBA on ESPN)

“As I've told the team many times, a wounded animal is more dangerous than a healthy animal because you don't know what to expect.

While McCollum's intent is obvious, the Pelicans star missed a little bit on his assessment. We absolutely know what to expect from the Suns without Booker… and it's still greatness. Phoenix built their stellar regular-season run thanks to multiple people stepping up for them. It's why they were able to whether the injuries to Booker and Chris Paul during the season.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
cG9zdDoyODE5NTg2-thumbnail

Brian Buyawe ¡

Suns' Devin Booker and Kevin Durant asking Grayson Allen "Can you play?"

Brett Siegel ¡

Suns' Kevin Durant and Frank Vogel with Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert

Ben Cooper ¡

The good thing for the Pelicans is that they were able to take the Suns' best punch in the mouth and bounce back. That Game 1 performance was utterly demoralizing for any other team. However, McCollum, Brandon Ingram, and the team shrugged it off and capitalized on Phoenix' defenselessness in Game 2.

The Pelicans are hoping to keep up this momentum into Game 3 of their series. After a 0-13 start to their season, eliminating the best team in the NBA today would be one hell of an achievement for this team.