Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats: Full Game Recap, Highlights, and Key Performers
Introduction
When the Utah Jazz clashed with the New Orleans Pelicans, NBA fans knew it would be a blockbuster matchup. Packed with rising stars, strong team chemistry, and hard-hitting defense, this game had everything you want in a basketball showdown. The utah jazz vs new orleans pelicans match player stats tell the story of a fierce contest filled with energy, effort, and excitement.
Whether you’re following the Jazz’s rebuild or the Pelicans’ playoff push, this game offered something for every basketball lover. From the first tip to the final free throw, both teams went all out. There were lead changes, clutch threes, rim-rocking dunks, and deep defense.
In this detailed review, we’ll walk you through each quarter, break down the player stats, highlight team trends, and celebrate standout performances. Whether you’re a stats person or just want the highlights, this article has you covered with everything from the best moments to expert analysis.
Let’s dive into the full recap based on the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats and see who came out on top.
Where the Game Was Played and Why It Mattered
The game was held at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana—home of the Pelicans. Fans filled the arena dressed in navy and gold, cheering every basket and booing every turnover. This wasn’t just another regular season game. These two Western Conference teams both have playoff hopes, making every win count.
For the Jazz, it was a test of their young roster’s growth. For New Orleans, it was all about protecting their home record and showing they belong at the top of the West. These goals made every possession more intense.
That’s why analyzing the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats helps us understand the importance of this game—and how each player’s performance made a difference.
First Quarter: Pelicans Come Out Firing
The Pelicans got off to a fast start. CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram led the early scoring with smooth mid-range shots and crafty drives. The team went on a 10–2 run in the opening minutes, thanks to solid ball movement and timely threes.
The Jazz responded with a scoring burst of their own, led by Lauri Markkanen, who nailed a deep three and followed it with a powerful dunk. Collin Sexton added energy and a couple of assists off the dribble. But the quarter ended with the Pelicans ahead by 7.
At this point in the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats, the difference came from shooting efficiency and early defense.
Second Quarter: Utah Closes the Gap
The Jazz found their rhythm in the second quarter. Jordan Clarkson came off the bench blazing-hot, scoring 10 quick points, including two three-pointers that got the Jazz within one basket.
New Orleans struggled with shot selection for a few minutes, allowing Utah to outscore them during a 12–5 stretch. However, Zion Williamson returned to the floor and powered his way through Utah’s defense, scoring back-to-back layups and drawing a foul that slowed down Utah’s momentum.
At halftime, the Pelicans held a narrow 56–53 lead. The Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats at the break revealed strong contributions from both starters and bench units.
Halftime Stats: Leaders from the First Half
New Orleans Pelicans:
- CJ McCollum: 14 points, 4 assists
- Zion Williamson: 13 points, 3 rebounds
- Brandon Ingram: 9 points, 2 steals
- Jonas Valančiūnas: 7 points, 5 rebounds
Utah Jazz:
- Lauri Markkanen: 13 points, 4 rebounds
- Jordan Clarkson: 12 points, 2 assists
- Collin Sexton: 7 points, 3 assists
- Walker Kessler: 4 rebounds, 2 blocks
Team stats showed New Orleans ahead in field goal percentage while Utah had more rebounds and second-chance points.
Third Quarter: Markkanen and Zion Go Head-to-Head
The third quarter turned into a showcase between Lauri Markkanen and Zion Williamson. Every time Lauri hit a three or slipped past his defender, Zion answered with explosive drives to the rim. Both teams traded lead changes throughout the quarter.
Walker Kessler gave the Jazz a lift with inside scoring and rim protection. Meanwhile, Trey Murphy III hit a huge three for the Pelicans that re-ignited the crowd.
Going into the final quarter, the game was tied at 84. The Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats now reflected a true battle between two highly motivated teams.
Fourth Quarter: Crunch Time Drama
The fourth quarter brought the drama fans live for. Utah grabbed a brief 5-point lead thanks to a deep three from Talen Horton-Tucker and a fast break dunk by Sexton.
However, the Pelicans dug deep. With just under 2 minutes left, Brandon Ingram hit a tough fadeaway jumper to tie the game. After a defensive stop, McCollum drained a clutch three to take the lead.
Utah had one final chance to tie it but missed a contested shot at the buzzer. The Pelicans held on for the win, as the final Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats showed small advantages that tipped the scale.
Final Score and Full Team Comparison
Final Score:
New Orleans Pelicans 109 – Utah Jazz 106
Team Comparison Stats:
| Category | Pelicans | Jazz |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 48% | 46% |
| 3-Point % | 35% | 38% |
| Free Throws Made | 17 | 13 |
| Rebounds | 42 | 45 |
| Assists | 25 | 22 |
| Blocks | 6 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 14 |
Both teams were evenly matched in nearly every category, but New Orleans hit just enough late shots and made fewer mistakes in the final minutes.
Top Performers from the Pelicans
Here’s who stood out most for New Orleans:
- Zion Williamson: 27 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
- CJ McCollum: 23 points, 6 assists, 3 threes
- Brandon Ingram: 19 points, 4 assists
- Jonas Valančiūnas: 10 points, 8 rebounds
- Trey Murphy III: 8 points, 2 steals
Zion’s physical dominance and CJ’s fourth-quarter three were game-changing, and these show clearly in the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats.
Top Performers from the Jazz
Utah played with heart and skill. Their top players were:
- Lauri Markkanen: 24 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists
- Jordan Clarkson: 18 points, 3 assists
- Collin Sexton: 13 points, 4 assists, 1 steal
- Walker Kessler: 8 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks
- Talen Horton-Tucker: 9 points, 2 assists
Markkanen’s first half and Kessler’s defense nearly led the Jazz to a comeback. But small mistakes in the final two minutes made the difference.
Bench Impact and Role Players Matter Too
Both benches gave their teams strong minutes.
- Jazz Role Impact:
- Ochai Agbaji played tight defense on Ingram in key moments.
- Kris Dunn added hustle and smart passing.
- Pelicans Role Impact:
- Larry Nance Jr. grabbed key rebounds and blocked a shot.
- Jose Alvarado disrupted Utah’s rhythm with sneaky steals and fast hands.
Bench players often don’t get the headlines, but the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats prove that strong role player efforts win games.
What This Game Means For the Pelicans
This win shows that the Pelicans are serious contenders in the Western Conference. Their stars showed up in the clutch, and the team improved on their game finishing. They continue to protect home court, and performances like this build confidence for the playoffs.
They still need to reduce turnovers and improve free-throw shooting, but this win over a hungry Jazz team was an important step forward.
What This Game Shows for the Jazz
Despite the loss, the Jazz gained valuable experience for their young roster. Lauri Markkanen continues to look like an All-Star, and the team’s defensive rotations are improving. If they can close out games better, wins will come against teams like the Pelicans.
Young players like Kessler and Sexton are developing fast, and Utah fans should be excited about what’s ahead.
The Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats show a team growing with every contest.
Social Media Buzz and Fan Reactions
NBA fans lit up X (formerly Twitter) with reactions after the nail-biting finish.
Pelicans fan reaction:
“Zion is unstoppable when he’s locked in. That fourth-quarter energy was 🔥”
Jazz fan response:
“So close! Lauri is THAT guy. We just need to finish down the stretch. Proud of the team.”
Video clips of Zion’s dunks and Clarkson’s three-point shooting spread fast, making this matchup one of the night’s biggest stories online.
Key Takeaways from the Game
- Zion Williamson owned the paint, especially in crunch time.
- Lauri Markkanen is a top-scoring threat with great confidence.
- Strong bench play helped both teams stay close.
- Defense and turnovers made the difference late in the game.
- This rivalry could grow, especially if both make the playoffs.
The Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats make one thing clear—this type of matchup is why we love NBA basketball.
FAQs
1. Who scored the most points in the game?
Zion Williamson led with 27 points for the Pelicans.
2. Did anyone get a double-double?
Yes, Walker Kessler came close with 8 points and 10 rebounds, while Jonas Valančiūnas had 10 points and 8 rebounds.
3. What was the final score?
New Orleans Pelicans 109 – Utah Jazz 106.
4. Who made the biggest play of the game?
CJ McCollum’s three-pointer with under a minute left gave the Pelicans the lead for good.
5. How did Lauri Markkanen perform?
He scored 24 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, leading all Jazz players.
6. Where can I see full game highlights and the stat sheet?
Visit NBA.com or ESPN for the complete Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats and video recaps.
Conclusion
The Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats reflect a game full of hustle, pride, and great basketball. It was a game filled with effort from both coaches and players, and it came right down to the wire.
New Orleans walked away with the win, but both teams left with big positives. This wasn’t just a regular season game—it was a glimpse of what both teams can become. For fans, it was 48 minutes of excitement and unforgettable action.
