Jaren Jackson Jr. recorded 24 points and 10 rebounds as the Utah Jazz overcame a second-half deficit to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 120-119 on Friday, October 23, 2026. Rookie Darryn Peterson secured the victory for Utah by converting two critical free throws with 50.5 seconds remaining in the game.
Late Game Drama
The victory for the Jazz (1-1) ended an eight-game losing skid against the Pelicans. New Orleans, who fell to 0-2 on the season, had multiple opportunities to secure a win, including a three-point loss to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, and a narrow defeat in this matchup.
In the final minute of play, the Pelicans attempted to reclaim the lead they held for much of the fourth quarter. Dejounte Murray drove for a reverse layup with 1:01 remaining to give New Orleans a 119-118 advantage. However, Peterson answered with two free throws at the 0:50 mark to restore the Jazz lead. A late challenge regarding a drive by Zion Williamson resulted in the officials upholding a charging foul, preventing Williamson from receiving two free throws that would have changed the outcome.
Key Performers and Momentum
The game saw significant momentum shifts throughout the contest. While Utah established a 15-point lead in the first half, the Pelicans utilized a 31-13 scoring burst in the third quarter to erase the deficit and take a 90-86 lead into the final period.
Keyonte George contributed 19 points and 10 assists for Utah, while Jaxson Hayes added 17 points. Jackson provided a significant boost in the fourth quarter, scoring nine of his 24 points and recording a major block on Williamson. The Jazz also gained a significant advantage on the boards, outperforming the Pelicans 14-10 in offensive rebounds.
Efficiency and Coaching Insights
New Orleans struggled with efficiency and turnovers during the contest. The Pelicans shot 30.5 percent from three-point range, making 18 of 59 attempts. Utah's shooting was more consistent at 37 percent, making 13 of 35 attempts.
Pelicans head coach Jamahl Mosley noted that the team's inability to clean up the glass and the 27 points surrendered to Utah on turnovers were specifically damaging to the Pelicans' effort. Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 23 points, while Saddiq Bey contributed 20 points, including three three-pointers.
Injury Update
The game was marred by an injury to New Orleans starting center Yves Missi. During the second quarter, at the 6:30 mark, a driving shot attempt by Williamson was blocked by Hayes, causing Williamson to fall into Missi's leg. Missi was forced to leave the game and was helped to the locker room. He will be re-evaluated on Saturday, October 24, 2026, following the injury to his left knee.
Looking Ahead
The Pelicans will travel to face the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night as part of a road back-to-back. The Jazz will return home to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, October 25, 2026, featuring the return of former Jazz center Walker Kessler.
New Orleans' upcoming schedule includes a rematch against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
Season Context
The Pelicans enter the 2026-27 season seeking to build on previous momentum. Following their loss to the Pacers on October 21, 2026, the team has struggled to close out games, having lost two consecutive contests by a combined total of two points.
Rookie Impact
Darryn Peterson, a 19-year-old rookie from Kansas, continues to make an impact in his debut season. After scoring nine points in his debut against Memphis on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, his recent performance against the Pelicans included 15 points and 3 assists in 30 minutes of play.
