Jordan Clarkson, Jazz ensemble tune out Pelicans in OT, 132-129
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT PhilBoxing.com Fri, 16 Dec 2022
Fil-Am Jordan Clarkson took charge in overtime, drained 2 deuces late as the Jazz toppled the Pelicans, 132-129, Thursday night in Salt Lake City.
Clarkson posted a season-high 39 points (15-of-26 FG and 7 treys), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, outshining Zion Williamson who led NOLA with 31 points, 8 grabs, and 8 dishes.
Lauri Markkanen added 31 points and Malik Beasley had 17, as Utah won the second of their two-game series; Utah blew out New Orleans 121-100 last Tuesday night.
The Pelicans were hot, as C.J. McCollum added 28 points, Nate Marshall and Larry Nance, Jr. each had 13, but fell short.
New Orleans almost pulled away in the third quarter after moving ahead 76-63 after a 14-2 run. Williamson sparked the run by draining back-to-back deuces and dished on another bucket. The Pels made 10-of-12 shots to open the quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Clarkson tied the game in knots, 118-all, in the final minute.
Then, Lauri Markkanen drained a 3-pointer to push the Jazz ahead 121-118.
Trey Murphy III retaliated with a corner 3 for New Orleans with 2.9 seconds remaining to force overtime, 123 points apiece.
With 26 seconds left in overtime, Zion made a layup cutting Utah’s lead by 3, 127-130. With 7 seconds left, Markkanen made 2 free throws then shut the door on the Pelicans despite a very late deuce from Larry Nance, Jr., 132-129.
As a team, Utah made 45-of-92 baskets (45.7% FG) and 18-of-47 treys (38.3% 3-PT).
By contrast, New Orleans made 47-of-99 baskets (47.5% FG) and 12-of-30 treys (40% 3-PT). They outscored Utah in the paint, 52-40, and converted more points after turnovers, 33-15, but it was not enough to stifle a determined Jazz team.
Utah climbs to 17-14 and New Orleans drops to 18-10, but remains the leader in the Western Conference.
Both teams are starting to look like contenders early this season.
Upcoming:
Utah Jazz: @ Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night.
New Orleans Pelicans: @ Phoenix Suns on Saturday night.
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