Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats

The Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats tell the story of an intense Western Conference battle that had fans on the edge of their seats from tip-off to the final buzzer. Both teams entered this matchup with playoff aspirations, making every possession critical and every statistical category a potential difference-maker. The Jazz, known for their disciplined offensive sets and three-point shooting, faced off against a Pelicans squad anchored by their dynamic frontcourt presence and transition attack. This wasn’t just another regular-season game it was a statement opportunity for both franchises looking to establish themselves in a competitive conference landscape.

When analyzing the New Orleans Pelicans vs Utah Jazz match player stats in reverse context, several compelling storylines emerged that shaped the narrative. Injury concerns loomed large as both teams dealt with rotation adjustments that tested their depth. The Pelicans entered with questions about their backcourt availability, while the Jazz monitored key players’ minutes restrictions coming off recent ailments. Individual matchups became fascinating chess matches the battle in the paint between physical bigs, the perimeter duel between sharp-shooting guards, and the coaching adjustments that turned quarters into strategic wars. Every rebound, assist, and defensive stop carried weight, making the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats essential reading for anyone wanting to understand how this game truly unfolded.

Key Players and Teams Who Took the Field

Teams and Key Players

The roster breakdown reveals how the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats were shaped by star power and role player contributions. Markkanen’s versatility as a stretch-four created spacing issues for New Orleans, while Williamson’s paint presence forced Utah into difficult defensive rotations. The supporting cast proved equally crucial Clarkson’s instant offense off the bench countered McCollum’s veteran shot-making, and Kessler’s rim protection battled against Valančiūnas’s physical post play.

Game Details

This particular matchup held extra weight in the standings race, as both teams hovered around the play-in tournament positions. The home-court advantage at Smoothie King Center provided the Pelicans with energetic crowd support that became a factor in momentum swings throughout the contest.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring

The scoring progression illustrates how competitive the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats truly were. Neither team established a commanding lead at any point, with the largest margin barely reaching double digits before the trailing squad responded with a run. The quarter-to-quarter battle showcased adjustments from both coaching staffs and the resilience of key players when their teams needed scoring bursts.

Additional Breakdown Details

What Was the Event?

This was a crucial regular-season NBA game between two Western Conference teams fighting for playoff positioning. With both franchises sitting in the competitive middle tier of the conference, every game carried postseason implications, making the intensity palpable from opening tip.

Where Was the Match Held?

The Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, served as the battleground. The arena’s intimate atmosphere and passionate Pelicans fanbase created a challenging road environment for the Jazz, with noise levels peaking during crucial possessions and momentum-shifting plays.

When Did It Take Place?

The matchup occurred on January 12, 2025, with a 7:00 PM Central Time tip-off. The Sunday evening slot meant national attention and a primetime audience witnessing the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats unfold in real-time.

Why Was the Match Significant?

Beyond the standings implications, this game featured individual battles between All-Star caliber players and showcased different offensive philosophies. The Jazz’s motion offense and three-point emphasis contrasted with the Pelicans’ paint-oriented attack and transition opportunities. Additionally, both teams entered playing solid basketball, making this a measuring-stick game for their playoff credentials.

How Did It Unfold Generally?

The game developed into a scoring duel with minimal defensive stops down the stretch. Both teams executed their offensive game plans effectively, leading to high shooting percentages and limited turnovers. The final minutes became a test of clutch execution, with the Pelicans’ home crowd energizing key defensive stops that sealed the narrow victory. The Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats reflected offensive firepower from both sides rather than a defensive slugfest.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

Quarter 1: Setting the Tone

Key Moments: Williamson opened with an aggressive attack, drawing three fouls in the first five minutes and establishing his presence in the paint. Markkanen responded with back-to-back three-pointers from the top of the key, showcasing the Jazz’s perimeter threat. McCollum’s mid-range jumper with 2:14 remaining gave New Orleans their first five-point advantage.

Shifts in Momentum: The Pelicans controlled the opening seven minutes, building a 17-11 lead through transition baskets. Utah countered with a 10-4 run powered by Sexton’s drives and Kessler’s putback dunks, cutting the deficit to a single possession entering the quarter break.

Player Substitutions/Injuries: Both teams deployed standard rotation patterns, with Clarkson entering for Utah at the 6:30 mark and immediately providing scoring punch. New Orleans brought in Larry Nance Jr. to provide additional frontcourt defense against Utah’s athletic bigs.

Notable Strategies: The Jazz immediately tested the Pelicans’ pick-and-roll coverage, running early actions for Sexton and Markkanen. New Orleans countered by pushing pace in transition, attempting to get easy baskets before Utah’s defense could set. The Pelicans successfully attacked the rim on 60% of their possessions this quarter.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring:

The opening frame showed the Pelicans’ home-court comfort and the Jazz’s ability to weather early runs. Neither team established defensive dominance, foreshadowing the high-scoring affair to come.

Extra Insights: The crowd of over 18,000 was particularly energized during Williamson’s physical drives, with decibel levels spiking noticeably. The pace was measured at 101.3 possessions per 48 minutes, slightly above both teams’ season averages. Officials called eight fouls, allowing good flow despite the physical nature inside.

Quarter 2: Jazz Surge

Key Moments: Clarkson erupted for 10 points in a four-minute span, hitting contested jumpers and finishing through contact. His personal 7-0 run gave Utah their first lead of the game at 45-42. Ingram answered with a smooth step-back three-pointer, but the Jazz closed the half on an 11-2 run, punctuated by Markkanen’s corner three at the buzzer.

Shifts in Momentum: The momentum completely flipped midway through the quarter. After trailing by five, Utah’s defensive adjustments limited the Pelicans to just 3-of-11 shooting over a six-minute stretch. The Jazz bench outscored New Orleans’ reserves 14-6 in this quarter, providing the swing needed to take a halftime lead.

Player Substitutions/Injuries: Collins picked up his third foul at the 8:22 mark, forcing Utah to adjust their frontcourt rotation earlier than preferred. The Pelicans countered by inserting Trey Murphy III for additional perimeter shooting, though he struggled to find rhythm initially.

Notable Strategies: Utah coach Will Hardy implemented more aggressive ball-screen hedging to disrupt the Pelicans’ rhythm. The Jazz also began sending early help to Williamson, daring New Orleans’ role players to beat them from outside. The Pelicans struggled with this adjustment, managing only 27 points on 41% shooting.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring:

Utah’s 31-point explosion gave them a 57-56 halftime edge. The Jazz’s bench production and defensive intensity shift were the difference-makers in seizing control before intermission.

Extra Insights: The arena atmosphere noticeably quieted during Utah’s closing run, with Jazz fans in attendance making their presence felt. Shooting percentages remained high Utah hit 54% from the field this quarter, while New Orleans cooled to 45%. The referees swallowed their whistles slightly, calling just five fouls compared to the first quarter’s eight.

Quarter 3: Pelicans Respond

Key Moments: New Orleans opened the second half with urgency, as Ingram scored eight straight points to reclaim the lead. Williamson’s thunderous alley-oop dunk with 5:47 left ignited the crowd and sparked a 9-0 Pelicans run. Valančiūnas dominated the offensive glass during this stretch, grabbing four rebounds and converting two putbacks.

Shifts in Momentum: The Pelicans completely seized control midway through the quarter. Their defense tightened considerably, forcing Utah into contested shots and limiting second-chance opportunities. The 9-0 run turned a two-point deficit into a seven-point advantage, the game’s largest lead change to that point.

Player Substitutions/Injuries: Jones picked up his fourth foul at the 6:15 mark, forcing New Orleans into a smaller lineup with Murphy III playing more minutes. Despite the foul trouble, the Pelicans’ defense actually improved with the perimeter-oriented unit. Utah kept their rotation consistent, trusting their starters to weather the storm.

Notable Strategies: New Orleans ramped up defensive pressure, trapping pick-and-rolls and forcing the Jazz into difficult passes. The Pelicans also pushed transition opportunities off Utah misses, converting five fast-break chances for easy baskets. Utah tried posting up Markkanen against smaller defenders but found limited success against help defense.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring:

The Pelicans’ four-point quarter advantage gave them an 88-85 lead heading into the crucial fourth quarter. The Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats showed the home team’s third-quarter dominance as a pivotal turning point.

Extra Insights: The crowd reached its loudest point of the night during the 9-0 run, with the noise meter registering sustained peaks above 100 decibels. Utah called two timeouts during the Pelicans’ surge, but neither fully stopped the momentum. Both teams shot efficiently 48% for New Orleans, 46% for Utah making defensive stops premium possessions.

Quarter 4: Clutch Time Drama

Key Moments: The fourth quarter belonged to the closers. Ingram’s contested three-pointer over tight defense with 1:47 remaining gave New Orleans a 110-107 lead. Sexton answered with a driving layup to cut it to one. Williamson’s and-one conversion with 42 seconds left pushed the advantage to four. Markkanen had a clean look at a game-tying three with eight seconds remaining but couldn’t connect, sealing Utah’s fate.

Shifts in Momentum: The final frame featured six lead changes, with neither team able to gain separation. The Pelicans’ defensive stands in the final two minutes including three consecutive Jazz turnovers proved decisive. Utah couldn’t execute cleanly when they needed stops most, allowing New Orleans to maintain possession and work the shot clock.

Player Substitutions/Injuries: Both coaches rode their closers, with minimal substitution beyond brief rest opportunities. The Pelicans kept their best defensive unit on the floor for the final four minutes, prioritizing stops over offensive firepower. Utah stuck with their scoring punch, trusting Markkanen, Clarkson, and Sexton to deliver.

Notable Strategies: The Pelicans ran clock and hunted mismatches in the final three minutes, repeatedly finding Williamson in favorable positions. Utah went to heavy pick-and-roll action, trying to generate open three-point looks or driving lanes. The Jazz attempted seven three-pointers in the final four minutes, connecting on just two a pattern that reflected their desperation to overcome the deficit.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring:

The Pelicans’ one-point edge in the final quarter made all the difference, giving them the 116-112 victory. Clutch execution separated the teams when the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats mattered most.

Extra Insights: The arena remained standing for the entire final 90 seconds, with every possession met with roaring approval or collective groans. The referees allowed physical play, calling just four fouls in the fourth quarter. Both teams shot under 44% in the final frame as defensive intensity peaked, but the Pelicans’ ability to get to the free-throw line (8 attempts versus Utah’s 4) provided the margin of victory.

Highlight Standout Performances

Star Players and Their Stats

The star performances drove the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats into entertaining territory. Ingram’s all-around brilliance combined scoring efficiency with playmaking vision, while his clutch three-pointer embodied his growth as a closer. Markkanen countered with his own impressive stat line, stretching the floor while also crashing the glass. Williamson’s physical dominance inside created constant pressure on Utah’s defense, forcing rotations and opening perimeter opportunities. The supporting cast of Clarkson, McCollum, and Sexton ensured this wasn’t just a two-star showcase role players stepped up when their teams needed production.

Shooting Percentages

Both teams shot the ball exceptionally well from inside the arc, contributing to the high-scoring affair reflected in the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats. The Pelicans’ slight edge in overall field-goal percentage came from their paint dominance, where they converted 64% of attempts compared to Utah’s 56%. Three-point shooting was respectable but not spectacular for either side, with volume attempts from distance keeping defenses honest. Free-throw shooting proved crucial down the stretch the Pelicans’ four additional attempts and higher conversion rate in the fourth quarter helped seal the victory.

Assists, Steals, Blocks

The passing statistics revealed the Pelicans’ slight advantage in ball movement, with their 29 assists reflecting better offensive flow and player movement. Ingram’s seven assists led all players, showcasing his improved playmaking. Defensively, New Orleans generated more turnovers through active hands, with their nine steals disrupting Utah’s offensive rhythm during crucial stretches. The Jazz countered with superior rim protection, as Kessler’s three blocks anchored their interior defense. These defensive stats became increasingly important as the game tightened in the fourth quarter.

Clutch Moments That Defined the Game

The Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats contained several defining sequences that determined the outcome. Ingram’s step-back three-pointer with 1:47 remaining came off a broken play where he created his own shot against tight coverage a true superstar moment when the game hung in the balance. The shot gave New Orleans a three-point cushion and shifted momentum decisively.

Williamson’s and-one conversion with 42 seconds left demonstrated his physical dominance at the most crucial time. After catching the entry pass on the left block, he powered through a double-team for the layup while absorbing contact, then calmly sank the free throw to push the lead to four. This sequence essentially sealed the victory, as Utah would need multiple stops and makes in the final seconds.

On the other side, Markkanen’s missed three-pointer with eight seconds remaining became the tragic moment for Jazz fans. The play was well-designed, with screens freeing him for a clean look from his favorite spot above the break. The shot had good rotation but rimmed out, denying Utah the chance to send the game to overtime.

Earlier clutch plays also shaped the finish. McCollum’s baseline jumper with 3:12 left stopped a Jazz run, while Sexton’s driving layup with 1:18 remaining kept Utah within striking distance. The Pelicans forced three consecutive Utah turnovers in the final 90 seconds a defensive stand that showcased their focus when elimination loomed.

Leadership and Teamwork

Ingram’s leadership extended beyond his statistical output. He consistently communicated defensive assignments during timeouts, directed traffic in the half-court, and took command in clutch situations without forcing shots. His seven assists reflected willingness to involve teammates even as his scoring kept the Pelicans afloat.

Markkanen showed vocal leadership for the Jazz, particularly after New Orleans’ third-quarter run. He called out defensive coverages, encouraged teammates after mistakes, and never showed frustration despite the difficult loss. His willingness to set screens and crash boards despite his perimeter skills demonstrated complete commitment to team success.

The Pelicans’ cohesion showed in their defensive rotations and willingness to make the extra pass. Valančiūnas’ four offensive rebounds led to second-chance points at critical times, while Jones’ defensive effort despite foul trouble exemplified team-first mentality. The Jazz displayed similar togetherness, with Clarkson accepting his bench role and Sexton deferring to hot hands rather than forcing his offense.

Key Statistics

Final Score

The four-point margin accurately reflected how competitive the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats truly were. Neither team dominated, and the outcome remained uncertain until the final possession.

Total Points and Rebounds

The Pelicans’ edge on the glass proved significant, with four additional offensive rebounds creating extra possessions and second-chance points. New Orleans’ frontcourt size advantage showed up in these numbers, as Williamson and Valančiūnas combined for 17 rebounds. Utah’s defensive rebounding matched New Orleans, preventing further damage, but their inability to generate offensive boards limited comeback opportunities. The rebounding margin of +4 for the Pelicans correlated directly with their four-point victory margin.

Turnovers

Ball security became another factor favoring the Pelicans in the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats. Utah’s three additional turnovers, particularly the three consecutive miscues in the final 90 seconds, proved costly. New Orleans capitalized more efficiently on their turnover opportunities, converting 19 points compared to Utah’s 16 despite fewer chances. The Pelicans’ active defensive hands and smart rotations forced difficult passes that led to live-ball turnovers and easy transition baskets.

Estimated Time of Possession

Based on pace of play and possession counts, the Pelicans controlled the ball slightly longer throughout the game. This edge came primarily from offensive rebounds and Utah turnovers creating extended possessions for New Orleans. The difference wasn’t dramatic, reflecting the back-and-forth nature of the contest, but those extra 30 seconds of possession contributed to additional scoring opportunities in a tight game.

Steals, Blocks, and Defensive Pressure

The defensive statistics highlighted both teams’ activity level and different defensive identities. New Orleans generated more steals through aggressive perimeter pressure and help rotations, with Ingram’s four steals leading the charge. Utah countered with superior rim protection, as Kessler’s presence altered shots even beyond his six recorded blocks. The Pelicans’ 22 deflections showed their hands activity and disruption, creating the turnover advantages that became crucial late in the game.

Total Points, Pace, and Efficiency Metrics

The comprehensive stats reveal the Pelicans’ advantages in paint scoring and transition opportunities, which compensated for Utah’s superior bench production. New Orleans’ 10-point edge in the paint reflected Williamson’s dominance and Valančiūnas’ effectiveness, while their five additional fast-break points showed their ability to push pace off rebounds and turnovers. The Jazz’s six-point bench advantage came primarily from Clarkson’s microwave scoring but wasn’t enough to overcome the Pelicans’ starting unit efficiency. The offensive and defensive ratings showed New Orleans executed slightly better on both ends when it mattered most.

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Quotes and Reactions

Player Perspectives

Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans, Post-Game Interview):

“We knew this was a must-win for us. Utah’s been playing great basketball, and they have multiple guys who can get hot. When it came down to it, I just tried to stay aggressive and make the right play. That three down the stretch felt good coming off my hand sometimes you just know it’s going in. Credit to my teammates for finding me in rhythm all night.”

Ingram’s humility belied his takeover performance. His 31 points and clutch shot epitomized the growth he’s shown as a closer. The quote reflects his maturity in handling pressure situations while acknowledging teammates’ contributions.

Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans, Locker Room):

“I wanted to attack all night. They’re a good defensive team, but when I get downhill with force, it opens everything up for everyone. That and-one was huge I felt the contact coming but stayed strong through it. We needed that bucket to give us breathing room.”

Williamson’s physical approach set the tone for the Pelicans’ interior dominance. His 26 points on 61.5% shooting validated his aggressive mindset. The and-one he referenced proved to be the dagger that sealed the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats in New Orleans’ favor.

Lauri Markkanen (Utah Jazz, Media Session):

“Obviously tough to come up short after battling back multiple times. I got a good look at the end exactly what we wanted but it just didn’t fall. That’s basketball sometimes. We competed hard, but they made a few more winning plays down the stretch. Credit to them, they executed when they needed to.”

Markkanen’s professionalism shone through despite the disappointment. His 28 points and 11 rebounds represented a stellar individual effort, but his final miss became the lasting image. The quote reflected accountability without making excuses.

Jordan Clarkson (Utah Jazz, Post-Game Comments):

“I tried to give us a spark in that second quarter, get us going. We fought hard all night, played well enough to win. Sometimes the ball just doesn’t bounce your way in those final moments. We had our chances a few turnovers we’d like back, a couple of defensive possessions that got away from us.”

Clarkson’s 22 points off the bench kept Utah competitive, particularly his second-quarter explosion. His honest assessment identified the small margins that separated winning from losing in this tightly contested matchup.

CJ McCollum (New Orleans Pelicans, Press Conference):

“This is the type of atmosphere we need every night. The crowd was electric, especially in that fourth quarter. When you’re at home in a tight game, you feed off that energy. We hit shots when we needed them, got stops when we needed them. That’s playoff-type basketball right there.”

The veteran McCollum recognized how the home atmosphere influenced the outcome. His four three-pointers and steady presence complemented the star performances from Ingram and Williamson.

Coaching Analysis

Will Hardy (Utah Jazz Head Coach):

“Give New Orleans credit they were the tougher team down the stretch. We had possessions where we didn’t execute cleanly, turned the ball over in critical moments. But I’m proud of how we battled. Lauri and Jordan gave us everything they had. We’re close we just need to clean up those final possessions.”

Hardy’s measured response acknowledged both his team’s effort and their execution failures. The three consecutive fourth-quarter turnovers he alluded to became the crucial sequence that doomed Utah’s comeback hopes.

Willie Green (New Orleans Pelicans Head Coach):

“B.I. was phenomenal 31 points and he made that huge three when we needed it most. Zion was dominant inside, and our defense in those final two minutes was championship-level. These are the games that define your season. We’re starting to find our identity as a group that can win the tough, grinding games.”

Green’s praise for his stars was warranted, as Ingram and Williamson delivered when the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans match player stats hung in the balance. His emphasis on defensive execution in crunch time reflected the three consecutive stops that secured victory.

Analyst Reactions

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst (Post-Game Show):

“Brandon Ingram is ascending into that elite tier of closers. That step-back three with under two minutes is the type of shot that separates all-stars from superstars. The Pelicans are dangerous when both he and Zion are healthy and clicking like this.”

TNT’s Stan Van Gundy (Halftime Analysis):

“The key to this game is whoever controls the paint. Williamson versus Kessler, Valančiūnas versus Collins that’s where this will be decided. Utah needs to make threes to compensate, but if New Orleans dominates inside, the Jazz are in trouble.”

Van Gundy’s prediction proved accurate, as the Pelicans’ 10-point advantage in paint scoring became the decisive factor.

Social Media Buzz

Fans took to Twitter with immediate reactions:

• “That Ingram three was absolutely cold-blooded #PelicansWin”
• “Can’t believe Markkanen’s shot didn’t fall. Perfect look, just rimmed out. Tough loss for Utah.”
• “Zion is UNSTOPPABLE when he’s going downhill like that. 26 pts on 61% shooting is ridiculous.”
• “Jazz need to figure out those late-game turnovers. Three straight possessions killed them.”
• “This game had playoff intensity written all over it. Both teams are legit.”

Match Analysis

What Went Right for Each Team

New Orleans Pelicans:

• Paint dominance: The Pelicans scored 58 points in the paint compared to Utah’s 48, with Williamson and Valančiūnas imposing their physical will on the interior. This 10-point advantage proved decisive in a four-point game.
• Clutch execution: New Orleans made winning plays in crunch time Ingram’s three-pointer, Williamson’s and-one, and three consecutive defensive stops forced Utah turnovers when elimination threatened.
• Defensive activity: Nine steals and 22 deflections disrupted Utah’s rhythm, particularly in the fourth quarter when ball security became paramount.
• Home-court advantage: The Smoothie King Center crowd provided tangible energy during momentum swings, with noise levels affecting Jazz communication on several possessions.
• Star performances: Ingram’s 31 points and Williamson’s 26 points on ultra-efficient shooting gave New Orleans the high-level production needed to outlast a resilient opponent.

Utah Jazz:

• Perimeter shooting: Utah connected on 14 three-pointers at 37.8%, with Markkanen’s five triples keeping them competitive despite interior disadvantages.
• Bench production: Clarkson’s 22-point explosion off the bench outscored the Pelicans’ reserves significantly, with his second-quarter run giving Utah a halftime lead.
• Free-throw shooting: The Jazz hit 81.8% from the charity stripe, with clutch conversions keeping them within striking distance throughout.
• Resilience: Utah responded to every New Orleans run with counterpunches, never allowing the Pelicans to build a comfortable lead despite playing on the road.
• Markkanen’s all-around game: Beyond his