Pelicans Rookie Scores 40 Points in 156-137 Win Over Jazz on Tuesday

The New Orleans Pelicans scored 156 points against the Utah Jazz, a much higher score than their previous games. Rookie Jeremiah Fears scored 40 points.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Pelicans dismantled the Utah Jazz with a commanding 156-137 victory on Tuesday night. Rookie Jeremiah Fears etched his name in the franchise record books, dropping a career-high 40 points. The win also snapped an eight-game losing streak for the Pelicans and marked the Jazz's tenth consecutive defeat.

Fears' record-setting performance was bolstered by contributions from his teammates, including Jordan Poole, who poured in 34 points, with 22 of those coming in a third quarter where the Pelicans set a franchise record for points in a single period with 50. Other notable offensive efforts for New Orleans included Jordan Hawkins' season-high 25 points, rookie Micah Peavy's career-best 20 points, and Derik Queen's double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds.

The Jazz, despite the offensive output from Kennedy Chandler's career-high 31 points and rookie Bez Mbeng's personal-best 26 points, struggled defensively and continued their prolonged losing skid. Cody Williams added 19 points for Utah.

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Routine Rout or Systemic Slip?

This high-scoring contest occurs amidst broader NBA discussions about 'tanking.' The league's Board of Governors is slated to vote on May 28 regarding proposed rule changes aimed at discouraging teams from deliberately losing games. This vote, reportedly spearheaded by reports from Shams Charania, comes as certain teams' strategic foul calls or late-game decisions draw scrutiny.

The Pelicans' victory, while celebrated by their fanbase, arrives at a moment when the NBA's integrity in competitive balance is under a microscope. Meanwhile, the Jazz continue to endure a difficult stretch, their ten-game losing streak underscoring broader challenges within their season.

Contextualizing the Scores

The Pelicans' franchise record for points in a quarter, achieved during their 156-137 win, occurred within a game where numerous individual scoring highs were set. The stark contrast in team performance highlights the divergent trajectories of these two franchises late in the 2025-26 NBA season. This period also sees shifts in 'NBA championship and MVP odds,' with teams like the Lakers facing lengthening odds, influenced by player injuries such as those affecting Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the final score of the Pelicans vs. Jazz game on Tuesday?
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Utah Jazz with a final score of 156-137 on Tuesday night. This high-scoring game saw multiple individual records broken.
Q: How many points did rookie Jeremiah Fears score for the Pelicans?
Rookie Jeremiah Fears had a standout performance, scoring a career-high 40 points for the New Orleans Pelicans. His scoring was a key factor in the team's victory.
Q: Did the Pelicans' win end a losing streak?
Yes, the Pelicans' victory over the Jazz snapped their eight-game losing streak. This win provides a much-needed boost for the team.
Q: How many games have the Jazz lost in a row?
The Utah Jazz's loss to the Pelicans marked their tenth consecutive defeat. This prolonged losing skid highlights their current struggles.
Q: What other records were set in the Pelicans vs. Jazz game?
The Pelicans also set a franchise record for points in a single quarter with 50 points. Jordan Poole scored 22 of his 34 points in that third quarter.