New Orleans Pelicans (18-42) beat Utah Jazz (18-41) 129-118 on the road on Thursday, February 26.
The game, quarter by quarter
The Jazz struck first, taking the opening quarter 38-37 and a 1-point lead after one. The Pelicans moved in front with a 41-23 second quarter, carrying a 17-point lead into halftime.
The Jazz won the third 27-25 to stay in front, taking a 15-point lead into the fourth. The Jazz took the fourth 30-26; the Pelicans held on for a 129-118 regulation win.
What decided it
The Pelicans made 27.3 free throws per 100 field-goal attempts, compared with 17.8 for the Jazz. The Pelicans got more from their shots, finishing at 59.7% effective field-goal shooting compared with 56.7% for the Jazz. The points at the line gave them room for error elsewhere.
At roughly 104 possessions per team, the Pelicans produced 123.5 points per 100 possessions to 113 for the Jazz.
The Jazz's reserves also made a difference, outscoring the opposing bench 54-34.
Who made the difference
Saddiq Bey was the game's biggest individual force for NOP: 42 pts, 5 reb, 7 ast on 14-20 shooting. His Game Score of 38.4 led everyone. His team was +5 with him on the floor.
Airious Bailey led the Jazz with 23 pts, 4 reb, 1 ast on 9-17 shooting, good for a 15.7 Game Score.
What it means
The pre-game Win Meter had it close to a coin flip, at about 43% for the Pelicans.
Across the last 3 meetings in our records, New Orleans Pelicans lead 3-0.
The Pelicans are now 18-42, and the Jazz are 18-41. The Pelicans last five before this game: W-L-L-W-W.
Written automatically by Tip Off Live software from box score data. Ratings and probabilities are our own model estimates.