Saddiq Bey scored a career-high 42 points, including five 3-pointers, to lead the New Orleans Pelicans past the Utah Jazz 129-118 at Delta Center on Thursday, February 26.
Zion Williamson added 20 points, while Dejounte Murray contributed 17 points and nine assists in his second game back from a torn right Achilles.
The Pelicans overcame a depleted Utah roster, which was without Lauri Markkanen due to a sprained right ankle and hip impingement, and season-ending injuries to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jusuf Nurkic. Vince Williams Jr. was also lost earlier in the week to a torn ACL.
Ace Bailey led the Jazz with 23 points, while Brice Sensabaugh added 20. Utah pulled within single digits late in the fourth quarter, but New Orleans maintained control behind Bey’s efficiency, shooting 14 of 20 from the field and making all nine of his free throws.
New Orleans surged in the third quarter to erase a deficit, with Murray orchestrating the offense and Williamson scoring efficiently inside. The Pelicans shot 52% overall and 38% from three-point range, managing to hold off Utah despite the Jazz’s late rally.
The win improves New Orleans to 18-42, marking their third straight victory and fifth in seven games as they open a six-game road trip. Utah falls to 18-41 with their fourth consecutive loss.
The teams will meet again in Salt Lake City on Saturday night, with the Pelicans aiming to extend their winning streak and the Jazz seeking to rebound against a short-handed squad.
