All-Star big man Rudy Gobert sank two game-winning free throws as the Utah Jazz escaped the New Orleans Pelicans, 106-104.
Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images
With only seconds left remaining on the clock, Jazz star Donovan Mitchell hit Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday with a crossover, drove down the lane and dished the rock to a cutting Gobert. The French star center was fouled on a missed dunk attempt, and capitalized by making the two free throws. Brandon Ingram didn’t convert on a step-back three-pointer at the other end, giving the Jazz their first win in the bubble.
Mitchell led the Jazz with his all-around stat line of 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals, while veteran point guard Mike Conley put in 20 points and 4 dimes. Sixth man Jordan Clarkson topscored for the winning squad with his 23 markers off the bench, and Gobert added 14 markers, 12 boards and 3 blocks.
Ingram was the high-point man for the Pels as he impressed with his 23 points and 8 rebounds. JJ Redick chipped in 21 markers, and Holiday produced 20 points, 4 dimes and 3 steals.
Zion Williamson started the game and finished with 13 markers. However, the rookie star only played in short bursts, logging in only 15 minutes. The Jazz missed the services of scoring forward Bojan Bogdanovic, who will sit out the entirety of the season restart due to a thumb injury.
SCORES
Jazz (106) – Clarkson 23, Mitchell 20, Conley 20, Gobert 14, Ingles 13, O’Neale 12, Bradley 4, Niang 0, Mudiay 0
Pelicans (104) – Ingram 23, Redick 21, Holiday 20, Williamson 13, Hart 10, Moore 8, Ball 4, Hayes 3, Favors 2, Melli 0, Jackson 0
