Utah Jazz coach Will Hardy sent a message to his players after an ugly loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday.
It was clear by the end of the Jazz’s 105-100 win Saturday against the New Orleans Pelicans that his demand for players to “play hard and pass” had been received.
Utah has another chance to please its coach against the same team on Monday night when the Jazz host the Pelicans in Salt Lake City.
“I don’t believe in free minutes,” Hardy said. “I think that some of the guys that were on the floor (Saturday) are showing that they’ve earned some minutes and that they’re willing to make sacrifices for the team.”
Hardy was forced to use a new lineup because Lauri Markkanen (hamstring) and Jordan Clarkson (illness) were sidelined.
Even though Walker Kessler was available after missing seven games, he wasn’t a starter. Instead, Hardy went with Omer Yurtseven along with Kris Dunn and Simone Fontecchio. It was the first start for each of the three this season.
“We need to continue to hold everyone accountable to our standards on both ends of the floor,” Hardy said. “That doesn’t mean that anybody has to play perfect. It’s an imperfect game. I expect there to be mistakes in the game, but the No. 1 thing for me is always going to be our competitiveness and how hard we play.”
The Jazz started well (11-3) and finished strongly, using a late 11-2 run to overcome a double-digit deficit.
Collin Sexton scored 10 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter. Rookie point guard Keyonte George also played well with 15 points, six rebounds and five assists.
It’s uncertain if Markkanen and Clarkson will be available and what lineup adjustments will be made leading up to Monday’s rematch.
The Pelicans will have a different look as star forward Zion Williamson will likely play after resting on the second night of a back-to-back.
Williamson scored a season-high 32 in the 116-106 road win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.
Brandon Ingram scored 26 against Utah and Jordan Hawkins had 25, but the Pelicans were outscored 37-23 in the fourth quarter Saturday in their second game in 24 hours. They led 53-43 at halftime.
Sexton hit two 3-pointers, George hit one and Fontecchio (10 points) scored as the Jazz took a 103-95 lead. George sealed the win, sinking two free throws with five seconds remaining.
Pelicans coach Willie Green didn’t want to use the travel and quick turnaround as an excuse for the fourth quarter collapse. But he admitted fatigue factored into the outcome.
“It was a tough back-to-back, but every team has to play them,” Green said. “We had the game under control. They made some momentum plays and we allowed some momentum plays to turn the game and that’s the difference.
“All they’re looking for is a little bit of life and we gave it to them. Tip your hat to them.”
Green liked that his team scored 22 points off of 24 Jazz turnovers. But he said there were defensive and communication issues.
“Give them credit. On their home floor they took care of business,” he added. “They played a tough game and they made plays at the end of the game. …. We’ll fill our cups and get ready to get back at it Monday.”
–Field Level Media