In the first official NBA game since March, the Utah Jazz squeezed out a win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Utah Jazz Beat New Orleans Pelicans in First Game of NBA Restart
All of the Jazz starters hit double digits and Jordan Clarkson provided 23 points off the bench. Even with this, the Jazz still needed a fourth-quarter comeback and clutch free throws from Rudy Gobert to seal the victory.
Rookie Zion Williamson started the game for New Orleans and played 15 minutes. Before the game, Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry told the media that Williamson would play “in bursts” throughout Thursday’s game. Williamson looked fantastic in his bursts of action and gave the Pelicans 13 points and one ferocious slam off of a Lonzo Ball lob.
J.J. Redick continued his sharpshooting ways and added 21 points, three rebounds, and 4 assists off of the bench.
After some controversy surrounding the initial NBA shutdown, Rudy Gobert looked like his normal self on the floor. Gobert dominated inside and posted 12 rebounds and three blocks along 14 points.
Veteran Mike Conley also looked comfortable in the starting role for Utah. Conley dished out four assists, scored 20 points and handled the ball on a night that Donovan Mitchell struggled with his shot.
Mitchell shot 6 for 14 from the field and had an all-around good night, but he struggled early. Mitchell’s shot picked up as the game went along, and his efforts assisted the Jazz in their 27-17 run in the fourth quarter.
After Gobert went to the line with 6.9 seconds left and hit both of his free throws, the Pelicans had the ball at half court after a timeout.
Star forward Brandon Ingram had the isolation and took the game-winning three, but unfortunately was unable to convert.
Ingram still had a solid evening with 23 points, but his 2 for 8 three-point shooting performance was well below his 39 percent clip from downtown he sported this season.
Up Next for the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans
The Jazz face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in their next matchup on Saturday. The Pelicans will also look to knock off the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday evening. With both teams jostling for playoff position, the next week will be key.
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