Photo by Stephen Lew-Imagn Images/Reuters; Logos via sportslogos.net
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Utah Jazz 120-113 in overtime on Wednesday night inside the Smoothie King Center. The Pels battled back from a 13-point fourth quarter deficit to force overtime and win their fourth straight game.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Pelicans were without Trey Murphy in this game but welcomed back Dejounte Murray. Early, the teams went back-and-forth in a defensive first quarter, By the end of the period, the game was tied 24-24.
New Orleans would move ahead in the second quarter, again primarily due to their defense. They only allowed 13 points in the second and took a five-point advantage into the half, leading 42-37.
Keyonte George and the Jazz would explode in the third quarter, more than tripling their second quarter output on offense. They would outscore New Orleans 43-28 in the quarter, turning a five-point deficit into a ten-point lead.
In the fourth, New Orleans trailed by as many as 13 before mounting a comeback. Trailing 85-72, NOLA promptly went on a 16-2 run, with a Derik Queen made layup giving them the lead at 88-87. The teams battled from there, and Utah reclaimed a four-point 104-100 lead with just 39 seconds left. However, Murray and Zion Williamson both converted in the final half-minute to force overtime.
In the extra period, Utah quickly got two made threes from George, who scored 39 points on the night. However, The Pelicans responded with A 12-0 burst that gave them a 118-110 lead. They held on from there to win 120-113.
BIG NUMBER: 4
After four straight losses to start the season, the Pelicans have now claimed four consecutive wins. Additionally, they have turned around some of their late-game woes, winning each of the last two contests in overtime.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Saddiq Bey
Bey is the unsung hero of this Pelicans team in the early stages of the season. He has been their sparkplug off the bench and he did it again last night. He scored 22 points on 9-14 from the field. Bey also added four rebounds and three assists in the victory.
UP NEXT: The Pelicans open NBA Cup Group Play on Friday night when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves inside the Smoothie King Center at 7:00.
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