Jazz (3-0), Pelicans (2-1)
A furious rally from down double digits in the fourth quarter allowed New Orleans to force overtime in Sunday’s home opener. In an extra period filled with drama and clutch plays, Utah’s Kelly Olynyk made the final one, dropping in a game-winning layup with three seconds remaining. The Pelicans used a 22-3 run in the fourth period to turn what looked like certain defeat into a nail-biter and seesaw finish in which the lead kept exchanging hands. Led offensively by CJ McCollum, a group that also included second-year pros Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado and Trey Murphy nearly allowed New Orleans to cap a big comeback and win without two of its top players. Brandon Ingram (head injury) exited the game in the first half while being evaluated for concussion-like symptoms; Zion Williamson did not return after sustaining a posterior hip bruise in the second half. He took a hard fall the floor while attempting a fast-break layup.
IT WAS OVER WHEN…
McCollum’s desperate three-point attempt from near the right sideline was on line but a bit too long, bouncing off the rim at the OT buzzer. Utah players celebrated as the Jazz escaped with a narrow victory, their third straight vs. a quality Western Conference opponent.
Highlights: CJ McCollum scores 28 points vs. Utah Jazz | 2022-23 Pelicans Game 3
PELICANS PLAYER OF THE GAME
With Ingram and Zion Williamson off the floor in the fourth quarter, McCollum had to assume greater responsibility offensively and came up with big shot after big shot. The veteran guard netted 28 points on 12/25 shooting, needing to log 41 minutes of action. He also handed out 12 assists.
BY THE NUMBERS
63: Utah first-half points, staking the visitors to a 10-point halftime lead. The Pelicans were tighter defensively after intermission, giving up 47 points (just 17 in the fourth quarter).
28-22: Jazz advantage in free throw attempts. The Pelicans have frequently won this category in recent seasons, particularly when Williamson is available, but Utah was also plus-6 in made foul shots (23-17).
10, 7, 6: Points, rebounds and assists for New Orleans reserve big Larry Nance, whose mobility was much-needed against Utah’s versatile frontcourt.
REVISITING FANDUEL KEYS TO THE GAME
ESTABLISH HOMECOURT ADVANTAGE
A playoff-like atmosphere in the Smoothie King Center did its part in creating a raucous environment from the opening tip, but Utah’s offensive execution quelled the volume at inopportune times.
THIRD GAME, SECOND CHANCES
An energetic Utah squad was the only opponent in Week 1 able to hang with New Orleans on the backboards. The Jazz won the offensive rebounding battle 15-14, in a matchup of very good teams on the backboards.
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Unfortunately for New Orleans, Ingram’s first-half injury meant it did not have one starting forward in this matchup for much of Sunday’s game. Williamson enjoyed a big night offensively, while Utah’s Lauri Markkanen was a handful in the first half, racking up 20 points (out of his 31). Olynyk made some timely plays in his 20-point outing, capped by a game-deciding scoop shot.