After a tough 16 point loss on Tuesday, the New Orleans Pelicans again took the court in Utah against the Jazz two days later. Despite the Pelicans’ red-hot first quarter, the Jazz again went home with the win, 129 – 118.
Mike Conley gives it to Donavan Mitchell on the wing, who tries a three; nothing but net. The Pelicans waste no time pushing the ball up the court. Their quick pace allows second-year man Zion Williamson to find an open Lonzo Ball for a corner three; string music. Less than two minutes had elapsed in the first quarter, and this game already had all the makings of a shoot-out.
The end of the first quarter saw the Pelicans jump out to a 43-31 lead. Their shooting percentage was an astounding 68% from the field and 73% from three in that quarter.
The Jazz, however, took control of both the pace and the game in the second quarter. Eight of Mitchell’s 36 points came in the second, as well as all eight of Georges Niang’s points. Jordan Clarkson joined Niang off the bench, adding 7 of his 19 points in the quarter. Working by committee, the Jazz went into the locker room with just a one-point deficit.
Though their shooting numbers cooled off in the second half, the Jazz veterans proved too much for the young Pelicans down the stretch. The Pelican’s two young stars, Williamson and Brandon Ingram, combined for 50 points on more than 60% from the field. This included Williamson’s first three-point make of the season, as well as 11 combined free throw makes.
Although the Pelicans duo played an outstanding game, they ran into a white-hot Jazz squad. The Jazz have now won seven games in a row, due in no small part to their own dynamic duo. The starting Jazz backcourt of Conley and Mitchell combined for 56 points on nearly 58% from the field. In particular, Mitchell is averaging 23.5 points a game this season and has scored below 26 points only once during their win streak.
Simple Implications
The hottest team in the league has a five-game homestand to look forward to as they look to extend their winning streak. Thursday’s win was enough to catapult the Jazz into the second spot in the Western Conference standings. Not only that, but their record is good enough for second in the entire league.
After a disappointing showing in the bubble last season, the Jazz are more than ready to avenge their playoff loss. For Mitchell, getting veteran Bojan Bogdanovic back is an important step in the right direction.
“Its great to have him back,” Mitchell told TNT’s Charles Barkley. “He’s going to continue to be a lethal weapon for us, he can shoot the hell out of the ball, so we’re just trying to find ways to get him back incorporated into the group.”
For the Pelicans, a tough loss in the second half has been all too indicative of their season. Thursday’s loss marks their second in a row, and seventh in the last eight games.
Both Williamson and Ingram have been having fantastic starts to their season, averaging 23.4 and 22.8 points, respectively. This, however, has not been enough. The team has struggled to find a consistent third score, which has hurt them down the stretch of close games.
For a team full of talent and potential, tough losses to swallow can be good lessons for young players. Too many of those lessons, though, can all too easily make losing a welcome habit.
The Pelicans travel out to Minnesota on Saturday. They will then return for a six-game homestand, giving them a much-needed opportunity to right the ship.
