Jazz Bench Shines in Blowout Loss to Pelicans

Rookie forward Kyle Filipowski leads Utah's reserves with big night in defeat

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:41pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring vibrant, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic movement and energy of a basketball game, with the players' identities obscured in the bold, gestural strokes.The Jazz's young reserves, led by Kyle Filipowski, put on an energetic display despite their team's lopsided loss to the Pelicans.New Orleans Today

The Utah Jazz, already eliminated from playoff contention, rested their starters and gave extended minutes to their young reserves in a lopsided loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Rookie forward Kyle Filipowski took advantage of the opportunity, scoring a team-high 22 points on 9-of-19 shooting in the 125-98 defeat.

Why it matters

With the Jazz's season all but over, the focus has shifted to developing their younger players like Filipowski. His strong performance off the bench showcases the potential of Utah's future, even as the team endures a difficult end to the current campaign.

The details

Filipowski was the clear offensive catalyst for the Jazz, taking a team-high 19 field goal attempts and knocking down a pair of 3-pointers. He also added 7 rebounds and 3 assists in 38 minutes of action. Cody Williams chipped in 12 points and 6 assists, while Saddiq Bey led the Pelicans with 24 points.

  • The Jazz rested their starters for the matchup against the Pelicans.
  • Filipowski has scored 20+ points in 5 of his last 6 games.

The players

Kyle Filipowski

A rookie forward for the Utah Jazz who has seen increased playing time and production as the team's season winds down.

Cody Williams

A Jazz reserve who has seen his minutes and usage rate rise in the latter part of the season.

Saddiq Bey

A wing player for the New Orleans Pelicans who has been a consistent scorer over the second half of the season.

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What they’re saying

“With the starters resting, it was a great opportunity for our young guys to get extended minutes and show what they can do.”

— Will Hardy, Jazz Head Coach

What’s next

The Jazz will look to continue developing their young core players like Filipowski as the season winds down, while the Pelicans will try to finish the year strong and build momentum for next season.

The takeaway

The Jazz's blowout loss to the Pelicans highlighted the team's focus on the future, with rookie forward Kyle Filipowski delivering an impressive performance off the bench. While the defeat stings in the short term, Utah's willingness to give its young players extended minutes signals a shift in priorities as the team looks ahead to next season.