The Smoothie King Center erupted in cheers tonight as the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Utah Jazz 112-105 in a nail-biting battle. Both teams came out firing but it was the Pelicans who found their rhythm early led by the dynamic duo of Brandon Ingram (26 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists) and Collin Sexton (26 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists). They combined for 31 points in the first half helping the Pelicans build a 15-point lead at the break.
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New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz (112-105)
Date: December 29, 2023
Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans
Final Score:
- New Orleans Pelicans: 112 (45 rebounds, 14 turnovers)
- Utah Jazz: 105 (35 rebounds, 18 turnovers)
Key Players:
- New Orleans Pelicans:
- Brandon Ingram: 26 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists
- Collin Sexton: 26 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists
- Zion Williamson: 21 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists
- Utah Jazz:
- Lauri Markkanen: 24 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists
- Donovan Mitchell: 22 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists
The Jazz, however, refused to go down without a fight. Lauri Markkanen (24 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists) kept them in the game with his inside-out scoring while Donovan Mitchell (22 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists) provided a spark with his electrifying playmaking. The Jazz chipped away at the Pelicans’ lead throughout the second half eventually tying the game with just over a minute remaining.
But it was Ingram who would have the final say. With the clock ticking down he drove to the basket and drew a double team before finding a wide-open Zion Williamson (21 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists) for a thunderous dunk that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The Jazz had one last chance to tie the game but Mitchell’s three-point attempt rimmed out sealing the Pelicans’ victory.
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Key Takeaways:
- Ingram and Sexton lead the Pelicans: The duo combined for 52 points and were the offensive engine for the Pelicans throughout the game.
- Markkanen keeps the Jazz in the game: The Finnish forward was a force to be reckoned with inside the paint, scoring 24 points and grabbing 10 rebounds.
- Strong defensive effort by the Pelicans: The Pelicans held the Jazz to just 42% shooting from the field and forced 18 turnovers.
- Pelicans win their third straight game: This victory extends the Pelicans’ winning streak to three games and keeps them firmly in the playoff hunt.
Looking Ahead:
The Pelicans will look to continue their winning ways when they host the Los Angeles Lakers on January 2nd. The Jazz, meanwhile will travel to Dallas to take on the Mavericks on the same day.
Additional Notes:
- The Pelicans outrebounded the Jazz 45-35.
- The Pelicans had six players score in double figures.
- The Jazz committed 18 turnovers compared to the Pelicans’ 14.