Jazz Close Third Quarter On 8-0 Run, Lead By 20 Over Pels
Dec 13, 2022, 9:04 PM | Updated: 9:11 pm
Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) head-butts guard Malik Beasley (5) after Beasley sank a three late in the fourth quarter, solidifying the Jazz’s narrow lead over the Houston Rockets at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. (Courtesy of Deseret News)
(Courtesy of Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – Forcing stops on one end and scoring at will on the other, the Jazz used back-to-back threes to finish the quarter on an 8-0 run, taking a 91-71 lead.
The Jazz (15-14) host the New Orleans Pelicans (18-8) in the first of two straight between these teams at Vivint Arena.
it’s shimmy time 🪩
that’s 5 threes for #5 #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/zH54JIlrEs
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 14, 2022
Leading 83-71, Malik Beasley knocked down a mid-range jumper to start the run.
Rookie Walker Kessler started consecutive transition opportunities by blocking a shot and getting the Jazz out and running.
walk the block#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/ffjjAWSA4a
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 14, 2022
Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jordan Clarkson each capitalized by hitting threes as Utah closed the quarter on a run. Clarkson’s three came at the third quarter buzzer to give Utah a 91-71 lead.
knockin' it down as the clock sounds ⏰#TakeNote | @jordanclarksons pic.twitter.com/sskvec5JYU
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 14, 2022
RELATED STORIES
Markkanen Returns, Sexton Remains Out
The Jazz will be closer to whole with the return of Markkanen to the lineup.
Coach Will Hardy hasn’t had his full complement of players available in nearly a month. Not since Mike Conley was injured on November 19 in Portland have the Jazz enjoyed their full compliment of players.
RELATED: ‘Full Go’ For Mike Conley Tonight Against New Orleans Pelicans
Conley missed nine games before returning to the lineup in Friday’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Markkanen and Conley, the Jazz two most important players, haven’t shared the floor for the last 11 games.
The team is just 3-8 during the stretch.
The @utahjazz injury report for tomorrow night against the @PelicansNBA.
OUT – Simone Fontecchio (left ankle sprain)
OUT – Collin Sexton (right hamstring strain)
OUT – Johnny Juzang (G League – Two-Way)
OUT – Micah Potter (G League – Two-Way)
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) December 12, 2022
Guard Collin Sexton left the team’s win over the Golden State Warriors on December 7th with a hamstring strain and will be re-examined this week.
Sexton and rookie Simone Fontecchio will miss the front end of the two-game series with the Pelicans.
Best In The West: New Orleans Pelicans
Once thought to be a sleeper in the West, the Pelicans no longer catch any opponent by surprise.
New Orleans owns the best record in the West at 18-8, and the third-best record in the NBA overall.
snow day?
game day!⏰ 7 PM MT
📍 @vivintarena
📺 @ATTSportsNetRM
📻 @KSLSportsZone
🎟 https://t.co/AUr8Ssw086#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/a8XlJv5dmf— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 13, 2022
The return of Zion Williamson after missing all of last season has been critical for the Pelicans. The former number-one overall pick is averaging 25.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists while shooting 60 percent from the floor.
RELATED: Markkanen Returns As Jazz Host Pelicans In Two Game Series
Williamson’s return has allowed the Pelicans to survive the absence of Brandon Ingram who will miss his 12th game of the season so far.
Ingram left the Pelicans lineup with a toe injury in a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on November 25th, but New Orleans hasn’t lost since.
The Pelicans are 9-2 overall this year when Ingram doesn’t suit up.
Utah Jazz vs. New Orleans Pelicans Broadcast
The Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans game is being televised on AT&T SportsNet and can be heard on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. It can also be streamed on DirecTV Stream and FuboTV.
