Jaren Jackson Jr. recorded 24 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Utah Jazz to a 120-119 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Delta Center. Rookie Darryn Peterson secured the win for Utah by making go-ahead free throws with 50.5 seconds remaining in the game, handing the Pelicans their second loss of the season.
Key Performers for Utah
The Jazz victory, which marked their first win of the season, also snapped an eight-game losing streak against the Pelicans. Keyonte George contributed 19 points and 10 assists, while Jaxson Hayes added 17 points to support the Utah effort. The win brings the Jazz to a 1-1 record for the season.
Pelicans Offensive Efforts
The Pelicans, who fall to 0-2 after the loss, saw significant offensive production from Zion Williamson, who scored 23 points, and Saddiq Bey, who tallied 20 points. Despite the efforts of Williamson and Bey, New Orleans struggled to close out the game, having surrendered second-half leads in both of their games played so far this season.
Frantic Final Minute
The final minute of the game was marked by high tension as the Pelicans attempted to reclaim a lead they had held for much of the fourth quarter. During the frantic closing period, officials upheld a charging foul against Williamson. In the final seconds, Dejounte Murray missed a pull-up jumper just before the buzzer, preventing a New Orleans comeback.
Injury to Yves Missi
A significant injury occurred during the second quarter when New Orleans starting center Yves Missi injured his left knee. With 6:30 remaining in the second quarter, Williamson attempted a driving shot that was blocked by Hayes, causing Williamson to fall into Missi's leg. Missi had to be helped to the locker room and missed the remainder of the contest. According to reports, Missi will be re-evaluated on Saturday.
Game Momentum Shifts
The game featured a scoreless first half before the Pelicans mounted a significant comeback. Dejounte Murray scored his first 12 points during a 31-13 run that erased a 15-point lead held by the Jazz. By the end of the third quarter, the Pelicans had taken a 90-86 advantage, aided by three of the team's eight steals in that period.
Jackson's Impact
Jaren Jackson Jr. played a pivotal role in the fourth quarter, contributing nine of his points during the final period. His performance included a significant block on Williamson. Jackson, who appeared in only three games last season following surgery to remove a growth in his left knee after being traded by Memphis, finished the night with 7-for-15 shooting from the field and 8-for-10 from the free-throw line.
Upcoming Matchups
Looking ahead, the Pelicans are scheduled to visit the Nuggets on Saturday night. The Utah Jazz will host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, featuring the return of former Jazz center Walker Kessler.
