Pelicans Rookie Fears Scores Career-High 40 Points in Win Over Jazz

Jordan Poole also had a big night with 34 points as New Orleans closed out its home schedule.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:54am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic movements and scoring plays of basketball players on a basketball court.The Pelicans' young stars shine in a high-scoring home victory over the struggling Jazz.New Orleans Today

Rookie Jeremiah Fears scored a career-high 40 points and Jordan Poole added 22 of his 34 points in a decisive third quarter as the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Utah Jazz 156-137 to close out their home schedule.

Why it matters

This was a strong performance by the Pelicans' young core, with Fears and Poole leading the way. The win keeps New Orleans in the playoff hunt in the Western Conference, while the Jazz continue to struggle this season.

The details

Fears, a first-round draft pick, had the best game of his rookie campaign, shooting an efficient 14-of-20 from the field and 6-of-10 from three-point range. Poole also had a big night, scoring 22 of his 34 points in the third quarter to help the Pelicans pull away.

  • The game took place on April 8, 2026.

The players

Jeremiah Fears

A rookie for the New Orleans Pelicans who scored a career-high 40 points in the win.

Jordan Poole

A guard for the New Orleans Pelicans who scored 34 points, including 22 in the third quarter.

Utah Jazz

The opposing team that lost to the Pelicans 156-137.

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What they’re saying

“Jeremiah really stepped up for us tonight. When he's hitting shots like that, it opens up so much for the rest of the team.”

— Willie Green, Pelicans Head Coach

The takeaway

The Pelicans' young duo of Fears and Poole showed their potential in this dominant home win, providing hope for the team's future as they continue to fight for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.