The New Orleans Pelicans continued their recent surge on Friday night, notching their third straight victory by outpacing the Utah Jazz 136-123 at the Smoothie King Center. Zion Williamson led the charge with a dazzling 24-point, 14-rebound performance, capped by a series of electrifying dunks in a dominant fourth-quarter display.
New Orleans showcased its offensive firepower, sinking a season-high 22 three-pointers, with CJ McCollum going 5-for-5 from deep early on and finishing with 26 points. Contributions from Jose Alvarado and Trey Murphy III, who each scored 19, highlighted the team’s depth and balance as they improve to 11-32.
The Pelicans roared to a commanding 26-point lead in the second quarter before Utah mounted a brief rally to cut the halftime deficit to nine. However, New Orleans regained control in the second half, pulling away with Williamson’s emphatic nine-point burst early in the fourth, including a highlight-reel alley-oop slam from Murphy.
Rookie Daniel Theis, filling in for an ill Yves Missi, stepped up with 18 points and eight rebounds, adding key support in the paint. The victory not only underscores the Pelicans’ improving health and rhythm but also sets the stage for another matchup against the struggling Jazz (10-30) on Monday night. As New Orleans finds its stride, the team appears poised to build momentum for the second half of the season.
