Jazz Beat Pelicans Again, 114-112. Three Key Takeaways
The Utah Jazz outlasted the New Orleans Pelicans for the second time in three nights at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, 114-112.
Keyonte George led the Jazz with 19 points while Jordan Clarkson chipped in 16 while also adding 10 assists. Zion Williamson led all scorers with 26 points in a losing cause.
Utah had to scratch and claw to the end in this one. Again, it was the defense and energy that strong-armed Utah to the win. Also, this time around the Jazz only turned the ball over 10 times that help seal the deal.
What can Jazz fans take away from the big win? Let’s examine.
Head Coach Will Hardy Sticks with Unconventional Starters
If it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Hardy decided to run it back with a similar starting lineup from Utah’s last game. The only difference was starting Clarkson instead of Kris Dunn.
The new rotation started well, outscoring the Pelicans 32-22 in the first quarter. Former starter Walker Kessler performed admirably for the second straight game coming off the bench.
One has to wonder if Kessler playing as a reserve is permanent moving forward. Hardy made a conscious effort to keep Kessler and John Collins off the floor together prior to the shake-up, and this would be another way to do it.
Kessler Back to Old Self
Speaking of Kessler, Jazz fans were slightly concerned with how the second-year Jazzman started the season. It’s safe to say his rookie year was no fluke.
Kessler has been active in the paint and looks more spry in his two games back. The elbow injury that occurred on opening night clearly was holding him back. Utah’s big man finished the night with 14 points on 7-for-9 shooting from the floor.
Keyonte George has Best Game as a Jazzman
The star of the show was Utah's rookie point guard. Along with 19 points, the No. 16 overall lottery pick had a trio of clutch three-pointers while also dishing out three assists. George shared his thoughts on the victory after the game,
"Everybody is going to go on their little runs, but credit to the fans," George said in his post-game interview. "They was engaged, they was loud and picking us up and giving us energy, and ultimately got a big-time win tonight."
It may have been a blessing in disguise that the attempt to acquire Jrue Holiday in a trade before the season failed. The live reps for the young rookie are paying off early for the Jazz.
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