The Utah Jazz defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 106-104 with Zion Williamson on the bench.
The Pelicans limited his minutes and it burned them down the stretch. Williamson checked out of the game early in the fourth quarter and did not return.
Utah outscored New Orleans 27-17 in the fourth quarter. The Pelicans’ offense looked out of rhythm in the fourth quarter.
Williamson finished with 13 points in 15 minutes. He shot 6-8 on field goal attempts. Brandon Ingram finished with 23 points, but he missed a shot as time expired.
Rudy Gobert finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks for the Jazz. He hit two clutch free throws with 6.9 second remaining to lift Utah to victory.
For the Pelicans, it will be a difficult road to the postseason, as they drop to 28-37 on the season. It will be even more difficult to make the playoffs if Williamson’s minutes remain limited.
