Jazz’s Stout Defensive Effort Helps Take Down Pelicans 105-100

After falling victim to four-straight losses across the past week, the Utah Jazz finally managed to put a much-desired dub on the board to take down the New Orleans Pelicans, 105-100.

Coach Will Hardy raised some eyebrows entering Saturday’s game against the Pelicans with his unpopular starting five decision. With both Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson inactive for this matchup, we saw an unorthodox lineup, including Simone Fonteccio, Kris Dunn, and Omer Yurtseven at the tip-off.

Ultimately, though, the choice paid off. While both teams started notably sluggish offensively, the Jazz’s outstanding defense was what allowed this team to walk out of the Delta Center with a win. The Pelicans put up a 41.9% clip from the field, and 30.6% from three, which both rank amongst the lowest New Orleans has posted across the season.

While the Jazz did lock up for the night, it wasn’t done without Brandon Ingram and rookie Jordan Hawkins getting their own. They combined for over half of the Pelicans’ total points (51), with Hawkins also posting five three-pointers on an impressive 41.6% clip.

Defensive anchor Walker Kessler also made his return to the Jazz lineup in this one after missing the past seven contests. In 21 minutes, put up 11 points and 11 rebounds, paired with two blocks while coming off the bench. The lack of Zion Williamson, who sat out for the Pelicans’ second of a back-to-back, allowed The Sheriff to ease back into his role without handling such a tough assignment.

For the Jazz offensively, Collin Sexton led the charge with a team-high 16 points. While his efficiency still has some room for growth (38.5/37.5/75), seeing an initiator like him step up and be a primary scoring focus is exactly what Utah needed without Clarkson or Markkanen on the floor.

Overall, it was a balanced attack for the Jazz, as they saw six players notch over double-digit points on the night. It was the type of game plan this team needed to rely on without their two most reliable scorers. Ball control still remain an area of concern (23 team turnovers), but that’s what happens in a short-handed game like this one was.

The Jazz will look to take on the Pelicans with a hopefully healthy roster on Monday in the Delta Center once again.

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