SALT LAKE CITY: Utah Jazz secured their first win of the season on Friday, beating the New Orleans Pelicans 120-119 at Delta Center behind Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Darryn Peterson delivered the go-ahead free throws with 50.5 seconds remaining. Utah then protected their narrow advantage through a tense finish after surrendering a 15-point lead earlier in the game.
Officials upheld a charging foul against Zion Williamson in the final minute. Dejounte Murray later missed a pull-up jumper just before the buzzer, ending New Orleans’ last chance to take the lead.
Utah’s victory followed Wednesday’s season-opening defeat against the Memphis Grizzlies and brought their record to 1-1.
Early on, the hosts appeared well placed to avoid another loss. They scored 31 points in each of the opening two quarters and reached half-time with a 62-52 advantage.
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However, New Orleans overturned that deficit during the third quarter. The visitors scored 38 points against Utah’s 24 and entered the final period ahead 90-86.
That reversal forced the Jazz to recover after spending much of the opening half in control. A 15-3 fourth-quarter run restored their advantage, although the Pelicans stayed close enough to threaten until the final possession.
Alongside Jackson, Keyonte George supplied 19 points and 10 assists. Jaxson Hayes contributed another 17 points as Utah secured their first home victory of the campaign.
For the Pelicans, Williamson led with 23 points, while Saddiq Bey added 20. New Orleans slipped to 0-2 despite their second-half recovery. Utah next host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.
(With additional input from The Associated Press)
