Will Hardy's Lineup Reshuffle Pays Dividends as Jazz Snap Losing Streak
The Utah Jazz implemented a defensive-style team approach to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 105-100 on Saturday night in Salt Lake City. Both teams were minus notable stars, but the Jazz were grinders throughout while providing a late surge to seal the victory.
Jazz coach Will Hardy implemented several line-ups that Jazz fans had not seen this season but proved to be the correct tactic. I've said it many times since before the season started; this team is loaded with depth, and it was on full display against the Pelicans.
Six Jazzmen found a way to drop double-digit scoring efforts led by Collin Sexton's 16 points and six assists in a reserve role. Keyonte George continues to impress and currently leads all NBA rookies in assist average at 5.3 per game. He tallied 15 points, six rebounds, and five assists, though he committed five turnovers.
I'm willing to give George a bit of a pass on the mistakes due to his lack of NBA experience, but hopefully, he improves as the season progresses. Kelly "The Clinic" Olynyk chipped in with 13 points and six rebounds, while John Collins was solid with 12 points and nine rebounds.
The return of Walker Kessler was a welcome sight for anyone associated with Jazz basketball, and he immediately made his presence felt by logging a double-double effort. He scored 11 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, but his multiple-week absence led to five fouls and three turnovers.
Look for Kessler to man the paint and return to the starting line-up sooner rather than later. Rounding out the double-digit scoring was Simone Fontecchio, who scored 10 points while defending Pelican star forward Brandon Ingram, who is one of the NBA's best offensive talents.
The Pelicans were led by Ingram, who posted a 26-point, eight assists, six rebounds, and one steal stat line. He committed one turnover, registered a +3 game rating, and treated the fans to an impressive performance.
Equally impressive was Pelicans' rookie guard/forward Jordan Hawkins, who tossed in 25 points, six rebounds, and three assists while draining five three-point shots. He was +4 for the Pelicans.
This was a welcomed and much-needed win for the Jazz. Notable was that no Jazz player exceeded 30 minutes, which rarely happens in an NBA contest. Sexton logged just over 28 minutes, which led the team. Hardy's game plan eventually wore the Pelicans down and helped the Jazz get the win.
The Jazz and Pelicans will run it back on Monday at the Delta Center at 7:00 pm. With notable stars for both teams returning for the rematch, it will be quite interesting to see how Hardy and Pelicans coach Willie Green square off in a possible thriller.
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