In a tightly contested battle, rookie Keyonte George showcased his skills, scoring a season-high 19 points, leading the Utah Jazz (6-11) to a thrilling 114-112 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans (9-9) on Monday night.
George’s impressive performance was complemented by Jordan Clarkson, who contributed 16 points and a season-high 10 assists, and Walker Kessler, adding 14 points and eight rebounds off the bench. Simone Fontecchio also played a crucial role, scoring 14 points.
This victory marked the Jazz’s fifth consecutive win against the Pelicans and their second triumph in three days.
The team’s success was fueled by their precision beyond the arc, making 17 three-pointers, including six in the crucial fourth quarter. The Jazz displayed excellent ball movement, finishing with 31 assists on 37 baskets.
Despite shooting an impressive 50% from the field, the New Orleans Pelicans fell short in a game where Zion Williamson returned, scoring 26 points and adding seven assists. Brandon Ingram chipped in with 25 points, and Jonas Valanciunas contributed 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Utah took control in the fourth quarter with a 10-3 run, fueled by timely three-pointers from Ochai Agbaji, securing a 98-91 lead.
The Pelicans fought back, tying the game at 103, but Clarkson responded with consecutive baskets to put the Jazz back in the lead for good.
Keyonte George’s pull-up three-pointer gave Utah a 114-107 lead with 2:42 left. Despite the Pelicans’ attempts to narrow the deficit, including a 3-pointer from Herbert Jones, they missed crucial field goal attempts in the final minute.
