New year, New Pelicans? Only time will tell, but the New Orleans Pelicans (19-18) got 2018 started on the right foot with a 108-98 victory over the Utah Jazz (16-22).
The Pelicans took an early 12-8 lead, but it didn’t last long though as the Jazz got out in front thanks to a putback from Joe Johnson to make it 18-16 with 4:42 left. However, DeMarcus Cousins made it a one-point ballgame after one quarter of play with a big layup in the waning seconds.
New Orleans got back out in front early in the second quarter thanks to a 14-2 run that was kickstarted by a pair of three-balls from Jameer Nelson and Darius Miller. That was enough to get them to halftime with a 58-55 lead.
The start of the second half was a rapid fire back and forth, but the Pelicans were able to get back out in front and begin to shut the door when Anthony Davis drains a three-pointer from downtown to make it 81-72.
The Jazz weren’t about to quietly into the night though as they cut the lead down to three points with 8:03 remaining. However, Boogie slammed the door shut with 1:15 left with a putback layup to make it 100-91.
The Pelicans will return to action on Saturday when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves (24-15) with tipoff set for 8 pm.
-Clint Domingue