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The Utah Jazz lost vital game in the tank-race against the New Orleans Pelicans, with a final score of 129-118.
With this loss, Utah ties New Orleans in the win column, putting the Jazz well within reach of a top-five lottery position. The Jazz and Pelicans are currently on opposite trajectories – Utah is dropping player after player due to well-timed injuries, while the Pelicans are closing the season out with the return of guard Dejounte Murray and the often-injured Zion Williams. Plus, unlike Utah, New Orleans has zero ownership over their first-round pick this year (thanks to Derik Queen, who finished tonight with five points and six rebounds), so tanking doesn’t benefit them anyway.
It will be hard for Utah to catch anyone else. The Sacramento Kings, like the Pelicans, are losing games despite every effort to the contrary. (Just remember, if you ever think you have it rough, you aren’t a Pelicans or Kings fan). And both the Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards appear to be immune from the same tanking penalties as the Jazz.
But tonight, the Jazz got the job done. In a season full of putrid basketball, this was a particularly putrid showing by the Utah tonight. Kyle Filipowski and Isaiah Collier had four turnovers each. John Konchar, Brice Sensabaugh, and Elijah Harkless pitched in two each. And in an effort to keep up with the young folk, Kevin Love outdid himself with three of his own turnovers.
Thankfully, fans attending the game tonight got to see one of the better highlights of the season:
Ever since Cody Williams realized he was 21 years-old, 6’ 8” with a 7’ 1” wingspan, and had a 35-inch vertical, he’s been a pleasure to watch. Until his shot comes around, this type of aggression is going to be the only way that he stays in the league.
The Jazz will take on the Pelicans once again this Saturday.