March 1, 2021 Recap: Utah Jazz vs New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans were able to withstand a late surge by the Utah Jazz, handing the Jazz their eighth loss on the season.

The Jazz looked sluggish and tired through the first three quarters of the matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night. Although there was the occasional run and a few defensive stands, it just didn't feel like the Utah Jazz that we're used to seeing. 

Joe Ingles (2) drives past JJ Redick (4)

That's enough negative talk, lets focus on the positives for last nights game.

1. Bojan Bogdanovic's 31-point night

After a tough February for the Croatian, Bogdanovic started March off with bang. He shot 52.4% from the field and 63.6% from three point range to tally 31-points on the night.

2. Rudy's 20-foot shot

Fans went ballistic when Rudy Gobert hit a 20-foot jump shot during the first quarter. After receiving a pass from Mike Conley at the top of the key, Gobert turned around and swished the shot, tying the furthest of his career. 

3. Gobert passing Karl Malone on the Franchise Blocks list

Rudy Gobert is known as the Stifle Tower for a reason, and he continues to climb the ladder of defensive rejections while wearing a Jazz uniform. Gobert currently sits in fourth place on the all-time franchise blocks list after passing Hall of Fame forward Karl Malone last night.

4. The Jazz had four players with 20+ points

Last night, the Jazz had four players with over 20 points. Bojan Bogdanovic led the way with 31, while Gobert added 22, Donovan Mitchell chipped in 21, and Jordan Clarkson added 20 of his own. 

5. 17-point comeback in the fourth quarter

Once the Jazz fell behind by 17-points in the fourth quarter, it would've been easy to throw in the towel and let the chips fall where they may. One lesson that can be taken from last nights game was that there is no quit in this team. They battled back and fought to be within one point with only a minute remaining. Although the late surge came up just short, it was good to see the Jazz not give up in the face of late game adversity.

Although there were plenty of reasons to be disappointed during the Jazz 124-129 loss against the Pelicans, there were also plenty of reasons to cheer. Utah will have one final game against the Philadelphia 76ers before heading into a much needed All-Star break. 

Rudy Gobert (27) dunks over a slew of New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night

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