Pelicans Dominate Jazz Despite Key Absences The New Orleans Pelicans secured a decisive 115-105 victory over the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center, extending their winning streak against Utah to seven games. The win marked the Pelicans’ fourth straight victory and their second in three nights against the Jazz, improving their record to 19-42. Despite missing several key players, the team showcased resilience and depth, building a 27-point lead and holding off a late Jazz rally. Jeremiah Fears, who entered the game off the bench, delivered a standout performance with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, recording his second double-double of the season. Fears’ contributions were pivotal in maintaining the Pelicans’ momentum, particularly after Zion Williamson exited the game in the second quarter following a right ankle roll. “His poise, his playmaking settled us,” said interim head coach James Borrego. “His pace. You felt him early. Especially when he rebounds like that, we’re gone. To rebound like that at his size and position just fuels our offense.” Trey Murphy, still recovering from a shoulder contusion, and Dejounte Murray, who rested Saturday after returning from a torn Achilles, were absent, but the Pelicans’ depth proved sufficient. Saddiq Bey led the scoring with 24 points, while Herb Jones added 17 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. The Jazz struggled offensively, missing their first 10 shots and failing to score until the 7:19 mark of the first quarter. They extended their drought to 3:26 in the second quarter, allowing the Pelicans to build a commanding 65-40 halftime lead. Borrego credited the team’s strong start, saying, “A big part of the game was the way we started. We took the crowd out of the game early. They couldn’t find their energy and we built that lead into halftime.#utah_jazz #new_orleans_pelicans #james_borrego #jeremiah_fears #saddiq_bey
