Pelicans 'Big 3' Ends Losing Streak To Jazz

New Orleans, LA - The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Utah Jazz 112-105 to end a five-game losing streak to Utah. New Orleans was led by their 'Big 3' of CJ McCollum, Zion Williamson, and Brandon Ingram. The trio combined for 69 of New Orleans 112 points. The victory puts the Pelicans at 1-2 on this current five-game home stand.

The Pelicans started the game strong offensively, with CJ McCollum scoring eight of the Pels first 13 points. Naji Marshall then provided an additional spark for New Orleans off the bench. Marshall entered the game and quickly scored seven points to extend the New Orleans lead to nine. Utah ranks No. 5 in the NBA for bench scoring, so an early burst to keep pace was pivotal for the Pelicans. Zion Williamson then began to do work in the middle.

New Orleans scored 24 first-quarter points in the paint, with Williamson scoring nine points in the opening period. A three at the buzzer by Utah inched them closer as the Pelicans held a 39-37 advantage after one. Whatever offensive prowess the team possessed in the first quarter quickly disappeared in the second. Both teams struggled to make baskets before a mini-Pelicans run to end the half.

Larry Nance, Jr. scored five points in a minute span that sparked the Pels 12-5 run to end the quarter. New Orleans scored just 20 points in the quarter but held the Jazz to 14 points. Utah shot 27% in the quarter and committed four turnovers. For the half, the Pelicans converted those Utah turnovers into 10 points. New Orleans led 59-51 at the half.

Utah's Colin Sexton opened the second half on a mission to get the Jazz back in the game. Sexton scored nine points in the first four minutes to cut the Pelicans lead to one point. Brandon Ingram then began to assert himself on the offensive end. Ingram scored 12 of the Pelicans' 22 points in the period. Utah, however, outscored New Orleans in the quarter and drew within five points heading into the final period.

There were many nervous Pels fans in attendance considering the close games New Orleans has lost at home recently. The nervousness was at a fervent pitch after Lauri Markkanen scored the first five points for the Jazz in the fourth to cut the New Orleans lead to one. The teams tussled back and forth for much of the fourth before Ingram's three-pointer gave New Orleans a four-point lead with under three minutes to play. Trey Murphy III followed that shot up by making his first basket of the game after going 0/6 up to that point.

New Orleans bled the clock out from that point to secure victory. Aside from the trio of scorers, the Pelicans got a major boost from Larry Nance, Jr. in his return from injury. The veteran forward scored nine points, grabbed seven rebounds, and got five steals in his return. Nance's defense and steady play were missed while he was out.

The Pelicans continue their home stand with a visit from the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday evening. L.A. ousted New Orleans in the semifinals of the NBA In-Season Tournament last month. This is the first matchup between these teams since then.