The Utah Jazz edged the New Orleans Pelicans 120-119 on October 24, 2026, in a thrilling NBA contest at Delta Center that came down to the final possession. Lauri Markkanen’s late free throws and a missed New Orleans shot at the buzzer allowed Utah to escape with a narrow home victory after nearly surrendering a double-digit second-half lead.

Jazz build a lead, Pelicans fight back

Utah controlled much of the first three quarters behind Markkanen’s scoring and efficient half-court execution. The Jazz moved the ball well, attacked closeouts, and built a lead that reached 14 points in the third quarter. But New Orleans responded with a determined rally, powered by Zion Williamson’s physical drives and timely perimeter shooting from the supporting cast.

Markkanen finished with 32 points and 10 rebounds, leading Utah on a night when he consistently punished smaller defenders. Keyonte George added 24 points and seven assists, while Walker Kessler contributed 14 points, 15 rebounds, and four blocked shots. Jordan Clarkson provided a spark off the bench with 17 points.

Key moments down the stretch

• Utah used a 12-2 run in the second quarter to take control of the game.
• The Jazz led by 14 in the third before New Orleans answered with a 16-4 surge.
• Zion Williamson tied the game with a powerful driving layup in the final minute.
• Markkanen hit two go-ahead free throws with 8.4 seconds remaining.
• New Orleans’ final attempt rimmed out as time expired.

Williamson led the Pelicans with 33 points and 11 rebounds, dominating inside and drawing multiple fouls. Dejounte Murray added 20 points and eight assists, while Trey Murphy III contributed 18 points. New Orleans nearly completed the comeback, but Utah’s late-game discipline and Markkanen’s composure at the line proved decisive.

Tactical story: Utah’s size versus New Orleans’ interior power

Utah’s defensive plan focused on crowding Williamson’s driving lanes and forcing him to pass out of traffic. Kessler’s rim protection was critical, and the Jazz did a better job in the first half of keeping Williamson from getting deep post touches. Offensively, Utah used Markkanen’s shooting to pull New Orleans’ big men away from the basket, opening cutting lanes for George and Clarkson.

New Orleans adjusted after halftime by playing through Williamson more aggressively and crashing the offensive glass. The Pelicans’ rally was built on second-chance points and transition opportunities. In the end, though, Utah’s ability to execute in the final minute—and Markkanen’s calm at the free-throw line—made the difference.

Season impact and takeaways

The 120-119 win is an important early-season result for Utah and a testament to the Jazz’s resilience under pressure. Markkanen’s star-level performance and Kessler’s interior presence gave Utah a balanced foundation. For New Orleans, the loss is a painful one, but Williamson’s dominant night and the team’s second-half fight offer encouraging signs.

In a game that featured 10 lead changes and several momentum swings, the final margin reflected just how evenly matched the teams were. Utah found the one extra possession and one extra stop it needed to secure the victory.