The Utah Jazz defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 120-119 on Friday, October 23, 2026, behind Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 24 points and 10 rebounds at Delta Center. Utah overcame a four-point deficit entering the fourth quarter, outscoring New Orleans 34-29 in the final period to secure its first win of the season.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: Jazz Establish a Narrow Lead

Utah opened with a 31-28 advantage, establishing an early scoring edge at home. Neither team created much separation, but the Jazz finished the period three points ahead.

Second Quarter: Utah Extends Its Advantage

The Jazz scored another 31 points while limiting the Pelicans to 24 in the second quarter. That seven-point advantage pushed Utah’s lead to 62-52 at halftime, giving the home team a double-digit cushion.

Third Quarter: Pelicans Move Ahead

New Orleans changed the direction of the game with a 38-point third quarter, its highest-scoring period of the night. The Pelicans outscored Utah by 14, turning a 10-point halftime deficit into a 90-86 lead entering the fourth.

Fourth Quarter: Jazz Regain the Edge

Utah responded with its most productive quarter, scoring 34 points to New Orleans’ 29. That five-point difference was just enough to reverse the deficit and deliver a 120-119 regulation victory in front of 17,867 fans.

Key Performers

  • Jaren Jackson Jr., Utah Jazz: Led all scorers with 24 points and added a team-high 10 rebounds, finishing with a double-double.
  • Keyonte George, Utah Jazz: Led Utah with 10 assists, accounting for nearly one-third of the team’s 31.
  • Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans: Paced New Orleans with 23 points, adding six rebounds and three steals.
  • Dejounte Murray, New Orleans Pelicans: Led the visitors with six assists.
  • Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans: Collected a team-high seven rebounds.

NerdSports Stat: Utah was outscored 72-56 on two-point baskets, but its advantages in three-point scoring (39-24) and free throws (25-23) produced a 17-point offset—enough to turn that 16-point gap into a one-point win.

Game Analysis: Three-Point Production Makes the Difference

New Orleans made more field goals and shot slightly better overall, finishing 44-for-89 from the floor (49.4%) compared with Utah’s 41-for-84 (48.8%). The Jazz nevertheless gained a significant advantage beyond the arc, converting 13 of 35 three-point attempts (37.1%) while the Pelicans went 8-for-26 (30.8%).

Utah also generated more free-throw opportunities. The Jazz made 25 of 33 attempts, while New Orleans converted 23 of 27. Although the Pelicans were more accurate at the line, Utah’s additional attempts yielded two more points in a game decided by one.

Ball movement and rebounding supplied further advantages for the home team. Utah recorded 31 assists to New Orleans’ 18 and finished ahead 42-38 on the boards. George’s playmaking and Jackson’s scoring-rebounding combination gave the Jazz important contributions as they recovered from the Pelicans’ strong third quarter.

What’s Next for the Jazz and Pelicans?

Utah improved to 1-1 overall and 1-0 at home, while New Orleans fell to 0-2 and 0-1 on the road. The Jazz next host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, October 25, at 2:00 PM PDT. The Pelicans return home to face the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, October 28, at 5:00 PM PDT, still seeking their first victory of the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans game on October 23, 2026?

The Utah Jazz defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 120-119 on October 23, 2026.

How many points did Jaren Jackson Jr. score?

Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 24 points. His individual shooting percentage was not included in the supplied game statistics.

What are the Utah Jazz’s standings after this game?

After the win, the Utah Jazz sit at 1-1 in the Western Conference.

Who was the best player in the game?

Jaren Jackson Jr. was the standout performer with a game-high 24 points and a team-high 10 rebounds.