Jazz @ Pelicans Takeaways
Chrissy Smith • December 29, 2023
Team Stats
(Jazz @ Pelicans)
Final Score: 105-112
Rebounds: 43-33
Assists: 28-26
Blocks: 2-8
Steals: 4-10
Turnovers: 18-13
Stat Leaders
(Jazz/Pelicans)
Scoring Leaders: Collin Sexton, 26; Brandon Ingram, 26
Rebound Leaders: John Collins, 12; Zion Williamson, 10
Assist Leaders: Jordan Clarkson, Lauri Markkhanen, 6; Zion Williamson, 8
My Player of the Game: Zion Williamson
Takeaways
- The Pelicans came out playing harder and tougher following their loss to Memphis on Tuesday.
- Brandon Ingram heated up in the second half and IT WAS NEEDED.
- Larry Nance Jr. was back after having a cracked rib, and he was huge and brought so much intensity to the game.
- Trey Murphy shot his way through his slump and came up clutch in the end of the game.
- Pelicans played a close game and found a way to close it out, which was huge for N.O. to finally do.
- CJ McCollum came out hot after he struggled against the Grizzlies on Tuesday.
- Zion was fantastic with his effort all game.
- It's games like this that keep Pelicans fans foaming at the mouth for them to play to their full potential.
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After a weather-delayed kickoff, loyal NOLA Gold fans were treated to a rollercoaster of a match that ended with a well-earned 44-36 victory over the Seattle Seawolves at the Shrine. This win moved NOLA Gold into 3rd place in the Major League Rugby Eastern Conference standings. Coach Danny Lee said of the team's response to the delay, “We just had to control the controllables. Once we told the boys the definitive time for kickoff, we had a plan ready to go. In terms of game plan, we had to be a little bit more direct, and we had to kick and adapt quickly.” NOLA Gold set the tone early, taking an initial 3-0 lead thanks to a steady penalty kick from Dorian Jones. Though Seattle answered quickly with a try to make it 7-3, the Gold launched into a dominant scoring stretch. Isaac Te Tamaki powered across the try line to ignite the offense, followed by back-to-back tries from the relentless Jonah Mau’u. Jones continued to add points from the tee, stretching the Gold’s lead to 27-7. Just before halftime, the Seawolves found a breakthrough and scored at the buzzer, narrowing the margin to 27-14. However, NOLA emerged from the locker room with purpose. Xavier Mignot wasted no time reestablishing momentum with a try that pushed the lead to 34-14. Seattle fought back with intensity, capitalizing on back-to-back tries to bring the score to 34-24. But NOLA responded with composure, as Jones added another penalty to keep the visitors at bay, 37-24. The closing stages of the match saw both teams exchanging blows. Seattle’s try was met by a decisive moment from Joe Taufete’e, who muscled through defenders for a critical score. Luke Campbell’s conversion extended the lead to 44-29. Though Seattle scored one final try at the buzzer, it wasn’t enough. With a final score of 44-36, NOLA Gold walked away with a crucial five-point win in front of a roaring home crowd and strengthens their postseason hopes with a firm grip on 3rd place in the East. Their next match will be on the road against the San Diego Legion on May 4th at 4:00 PM CT. For tickets and more details, please visit www.nolagoldrugby.com

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