Pelicans Rookie Jeremiah Fears Sets Franchise Scoring Record

New Orleans snaps 8-game skid with 156-137 win over struggling Jazz

Apr. 8, 2026 at 4:11am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the dynamic movement and energy of a basketball player driving to the hoop, their face and uniform details obscured by the rapid brushstrokes.Rookie guard Jeremiah Fears' historic 40-point performance fuels the Pelicans' victory over the struggling Jazz.New Orleans Today

Rookie guard Jeremiah Fears set a New Orleans Pelicans franchise record by scoring 40 points, leading the team to a 156-137 victory over the Utah Jazz. The win snapped an 8-game losing streak for the Pelicans.

Why it matters

Fears' historic performance is a bright spot for the Pelicans, who have struggled mightily this season and are looking to build momentum heading into the offseason. The Jazz, meanwhile, have now lost 10 straight games as their playoff hopes continue to fade.

The details

Fears, a first-round draft pick out of UCLA, scored 40 points on 14-of-22 shooting, including 6-of-12 from 3-point range. His scoring outburst surpassed the previous Pelicans rookie record of 38 points set by Anthony Davis in 2013. Jordan Poole added 32 points for the Pelicans, who shot 55% from the field as a team.

  • Jeremiah Fears set the Pelicans rookie scoring record on April 7, 2026.

The players

Jeremiah Fears

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

Jordan Poole

A guard for the New Orleans Pelicans who scored 32 points in the win over the Jazz.

Anthony Davis

A former Pelicans player who held the previous franchise rookie scoring record of 38 points.

Utah Jazz

The opposing team that lost to the Pelicans, extending their losing streak to 10 games.

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What they’re saying

“Jeremiah really stepped up tonight and carried us to an important win. We're proud of the effort he put forth to set a new franchise record.”

— Willie Green, Head Coach, New Orleans Pelicans

What’s next

The Pelicans will look to build on this win and try to finish the season strong, while the Jazz will hope to end their lengthy losing streak in their next game.

The takeaway

Jeremiah Fears' record-setting performance provides a glimmer of hope for the Pelicans' future, as the young guard showcases his scoring ability and potential to be a cornerstone piece for the franchise.