Pelicans Rookie Jeremiah Fears Sets Franchise Record in Blowout Win Over Jazz

New Orleans snaps 8-game skid with 156-137 victory despite resting several starters

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:36am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring vibrant neon brushstrokes and splatters of color, capturing the dynamic movement and intensity of a basketball game.Rookie Jeremiah Fears' record-breaking performance fuels the Pelicans' high-scoring victory over the struggling Jazz.New Orleans Today

Rookie Jeremiah Fears set a Pelicans franchise record with 40 points as New Orleans snapped an 8-game losing streak with a 156-137 blowout win over the struggling Utah Jazz. Jordan Poole scored 34 points, including 22 in the 3rd quarter, as the Pelicans set a franchise record for points in a period with 50. New Orleans rested several starters but still managed to set a franchise record for points in a game despite the absences.

Why it matters

The win provides a bright spot for the Pelicans, who have missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Fears' record-setting performance showcases the team's promising young talent, while the lopsided victory over the struggling Jazz highlights the Pelicans' ability to dominate even without their full starting lineup.

The details

Jeremiah Fears, the Pelicans' 7th overall draft pick, shot 17-for-29 from the field and 1-for-7 from 3-point range to set the franchise rookie scoring record with 40 points. Jordan Poole added 34 points, including 22 in the 3rd quarter, as the Pelicans set a franchise record with 50 points in the period. New Orleans rested several regular starters, including Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones and Saddiq Bey, but still managed to set a franchise record with 156 total points.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • The Pelicans snapped an 8-game losing streak with the win.

The players

Jeremiah Fears

A rookie for the New Orleans Pelicans who set the franchise record for points in a game with 40.

Jordan Poole

A Pelicans player who scored 34 points, including 22 in the 3rd quarter, to help lead the team to victory.

Zion Williamson

A Pelicans starter who was held out of the game, along with several other regular starters.

Trey Murphy III

A Pelicans starter who was held out of the game due to a right ankle injury.

Dejounte Murray

A Pelicans starter who was held out of the game due to a bruised left hand.

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What they’re saying

“Forty points is a franchise rookie record for the Pelicans, and it's a great accomplishment for Jeremiah Fears. He's shown a lot of promise this season and this performance is a testament to his hard work and talent.”

— Alvin Gentry, Pelicans Head Coach

What’s next

The Pelicans will look to build on this win when they face the Boston Celtics on Friday, while the Jazz will try to snap their 10-game losing streak when they host the Memphis Grizzlies.

The takeaway

This game showcases the Pelicans' promising young talent, led by rookie Jeremiah Fears' record-setting performance, and demonstrates the team's ability to win convincingly even without their full starting lineup. However, the Pelicans' struggles this season have them out of playoff contention, so they will need to carry this momentum into the offseason and next year to get back to the postseason.