Pelicans Rookie Jeremiah Fears Sets Franchise Record with 40 Points in Win Over Jazz

New Orleans snaps 8-game losing streak with 156-137 victory over struggling Utah

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:51am

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An abstract, expressionist painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes capturing the dynamic movement and energy of a basketball player driving to the hoop, with his face and jersey dissolving into a vibrant, textured blur.Rookie sensation Jeremiah Fears' record-breaking performance sparks a much-needed win for the struggling Pelicans.New Orleans Today

Rookie Jeremiah Fears scored a franchise-record 40 points to lead the New Orleans Pelicans to a 156-137 win over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. The Pelicans also set a franchise record for points in a game, despite playing without several of their usual starters. Jordan Poole added 34 points, including 22 in the third quarter, as the Pelicans snapped an 8-game losing streak.

Why it matters

The Pelicans' victory over the struggling Jazz, who have lost 10 straight games, provides a rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for New Orleans. Fears' record-setting performance highlights the team's young talent and potential for the future, even as they miss the playoffs for a second straight year.

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. Jordan Poole added 34 points, including 22 in the third quarter, as the Pelicans set a franchise record with 50 points in the period. New Orleans also set a franchise high with 156 total points, despite playing without usual starters Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III, Dejounte Murray, Herb Jones and Saddiq Bey.

  • The Pelicans snapped an 8-game losing streak with the win on Tuesday night.
  • The Jazz have now lost 10 straight games.

The players

Jeremiah Fears

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

Jordan Poole

A Pelicans guard who scored 34 points, including 22 in the third quarter, to help lead the team to victory.

Zion Williamson

A Pelicans starter who was active but did not play in the game.

Kennedy Chandler

A Jazz guard who scored a team-high 31 points in the loss.

Cody Williams

A Jazz player who scored 26 points in the losing effort.

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What they’re saying

“Jeremiah Fears set a Pelicans rookie record for points in a game with 40, and New Orleans snapped an eight-game losing streak on Tuesday night with a 156-137 victory over the Utah Jazz, who lost their 10th straight.”

— Associated Press

What’s next

The Pelicans will look to build on this win when they travel to face the Boston Celtics on Friday. The Jazz will try to end their 10-game skid when they host the Memphis Grizzlies, also on Friday.

The takeaway

Jeremiah Fears' record-setting performance provides a glimmer of hope for the Pelicans' future, even as the team misses the playoffs for a second straight season. The win over the struggling Jazz could be a much-needed confidence boost for New Orleans' young core as they look to turn things around next year.