Saddiq Bey was the hero the Pelicans needed Thursday night, ensuring that New Orleans emerged victorious against the Utah Jazz. Even as the Jazz mounted a comeback, Bey was there to shut the door.
Bey delivered a stellar performance, racking up 42 points, with a crucial 14 coming in the fourth quarter, leading the Pelicans to a 129-118 win at the Delta Center. This scoring feat was the second-highest for a Pelicans player this season, just behind Trey Murphy's 44 points against the Bucks.
For Bey, this game marked a season-high and was the second-best scoring performance of his career, trailing only his 51-point game with the Pistons against the Magic four seasons ago. Alongside his scoring, Bey contributed seven assists and five rebounds, helping the Pelicans (18-42) secure their third consecutive win.
In his postgame interview, Bey reflected on his performance, saying, “I just came in and tried to play hard for my team, my guys. I was just trying to be aggressive and take what the team gives me.
My teammates did a great job of finding me. Coaches did a great job of putting me in great positions.”
Bey's efficiency was on full display as he shot 14 of 20 from the field, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc, and was flawless from the free-throw line, hitting all nine attempts.
He wasn't alone in this effort. Zion Williamson added 20 points, four rebounds, and four assists to the mix.
Meanwhile, Dejounte Murray, in just his second game back from a torn Achilles, was one assist shy of a double-double, finishing with 17 points, nine assists, and four steals. Bey praised Murray's impact, saying, “It’s amazing.
He really controls the tempo and controls the pace. He did a great job.
To see him play at this level as soon as he got back is great.”
The Pelicans are thriving with their current lineup, now 2-0 with the starting five of Murray, Williamson, Bey, Herb Jones, and DeAndre Jordan. They've also seen success since interim coach James Borrego moved Jordan to center, going 3-0 with that change.
A dominant second quarter saw the Pelicans outscore the Jazz 41-23, featuring a 10-0 run capped by a Williamson dunk, giving New Orleans a 66-53 advantage. Although the Jazz cut the lead to 125-118 late in the game, Bey responded with two consecutive lay-ups to secure the victory.
The Pelicans dished out a season-high 37 assists, marking their sixth straight win against the Jazz (18-41). This triumph kicks off a promising start to their six-game road trip, as they improved to 5-2 over their last seven games.