Saddiq Bey's 42-Point Explosion Leads Pelicans to Victory Over Jazz

Pelicans dominate Jazz in high-scoring NBA clash, Bey shines with 5 three-pointers

Apr. 11, 2026 at 11:18am

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A vibrant, expressionist painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the raw energy and scoring prowess of a basketball player in motion, conceptually representing Saddiq Bey's standout performance for the New Orleans Pelicans.Saddiq Bey's 42-point explosion leads the Pelicans to a dominant victory over the Jazz in a thrilling high-scoring NBA clash.New Orleans Today

Saddiq Bey's exceptional 42-point performance, including 5-for-9 shooting from beyond the arc, propelled the New Orleans Pelicans to a 129-118 victory over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Thursday night. The Pelicans' strong offensive showing was further bolstered by contributions from Zion Williamson, Dejonte Murray, and Jeremiah Fears, as they shot an impressive 52.3% from the field and 38.2% from three-point range.

Why it matters

Bey's second 40-point game of the season showcases his scoring prowess and the Pelicans' offensive firepower, as they continue their winning streak and solidify their position in the Western Conference standings. The Jazz, on the other hand, are struggling with their fourth consecutive loss, despite Ace Bailey's 23-point effort.

The details

The game saw a back-and-forth battle in the first quarter, with Bailey and Svi Mykhailiuk contributing for the Jazz, but the Pelicans responded with a strong offensive run. The Pelicans' momentum continued into the second quarter, with Zion Williamson's layups and a 17-4 run that gave them a double-digit lead by halftime. Bey and Williamson's combined 33 points and six assists in the first half set the tone for the Pelicans' dominance. New Orleans sealed the deal in the third quarter with a 10-0 run, extending their lead to 88-61. However, the Jazz mounted a comeback in the fourth, narrowing the gap to single digits, but Bey's back-to-back layups in the final minutes secured the Pelicans' victory.

  • The game was played on Thursday night, April 11, 2026.
  • The teams will face off again in Salt Lake City on Saturday night, April 13, 2026.

The players

Saddiq Bey

A rising star in the NBA, Bey had a career-high 42-point performance, including 5 three-pointers, to lead the Pelicans to victory.

Zion Williamson

The Pelicans' star forward contributed 20 points and 4 steals, complementing Bey's scoring outburst.

Dejonte Murray

The Pelicans' point guard added 17 points and 9 assists in his return from injury.

Jeremiah Fears

The Pelicans' bench player scored 12 points, providing valuable support to the team's offensive effort.

Ace Bailey

The Jazz's leading scorer with 23 points, but the team struggled overall with their shooting performance.

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What they’re saying

“Saddiq Bey's performance was truly exceptional. He carried the team on his shoulders and led us to a crucial victory.”

— Zion Williamson, Pelicans Forward

“We need to regroup and come back stronger in our next matchup. The Pelicans exposed some weaknesses in our game that we need to address.”

— Ace Bailey, Jazz Guard

What’s next

The teams will face off again in Salt Lake City on Saturday night, April 13, 2026, as the Pelicans look to maintain their winning streak and the Jazz aim to bounce back from their fourth consecutive loss.

The takeaway

Saddiq Bey's explosive performance and the Pelicans' dominant offensive display have solidified their position in the Western Conference standings, while the Jazz's struggles continue, highlighting the need for adjustments and improvements in their game plan.