Saddiq Bey's 42-point performance was the highlight of the New Orleans Pelicans' 129-118 victory over the Utah Jazz on Thursday night in Salt Lake City. But here's where it gets controversial: Bey's hot shooting from the field and 3-point range, including 14 of 20 shots and 5 of 9 from beyond the arc, sparked the Pelicans' offense. This was Bey's second 40-point game in his NBA career, and he also dished out seven assists and five rebounds. Zion Williamson added 20 points and four steals, while Dejonte Murray tallied 17 points, nine assists, and four steals in his return from an Achilles tendon injury. The Pelicans' strong performance was further bolstered by Jeremiah Fears' 12 points off the bench, and they shot 52.3% from the field and 38.2% from 3-point range. However, the Jazz's 50% shooting from the field and 32.4% from beyond the arc couldn't stop the Pelicans' momentum. Ace Bailey led Utah with 23 points, but the Jazz lost their fourth straight game. The Pelicans erased a 35-29 deficit in the first quarter and surged ahead before halftime, with Williamson's back-to-back layups sparking an 8-0 run. Bey and Williamson combined for 33 points and six assists before halftime, and the Pelicans' 10-0 run to start the third quarter sealed the game. Utah rallied in the fourth quarter, but Bey's back-to-back layups kept them from closing the gap. The two teams will play again in Salt Lake City on Saturday night, and the Pelicans' hot shooting and strong performance will be a tough challenge for the Jazz to overcome. But will the Jazz be able to turn things around and snap their losing streak? That's the question on everyone's mind.
