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The Pelicans’ young stars shine in a high-scoring home finale, hinting at a promising future for the franchise.New Orleans Today
Rookie Jeremiah Fears scored a career-high 40 points and Jordan Poole added 22 of his 34 points in a decisive third quarter as the New Orleans Pelicans closed out their home schedule with a 156-137 victory over the Utah Jazz. Rookie Micah Peavy scored a career-high 20 points, Jordan Hawkins added a season-high 25, and rookie Derik Queen had 17 points with 12 rebounds as the Pelicans ended an eight-game losing streak.
Why it matters
The win allows the Pelicans to end their home schedule on a high note, despite being eliminated from playoff contention. Fears’ career-high performance and the team’s offensive outburst provide a positive note heading into the offseason as the organization looks to build around its young core.
The details
Fears set a Pelicans franchise record for rookie points in a game as the team set a franchise mark for total points in a game. New Orleans shot 57.5% from the floor, tied for their second-best shooting performance of the season. The Jazz were without several key players due to injuries, including Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, and Jaren Jackson Jr.
The game was played on April 8, 2026.
The players
Jeremiah Fears
A rookie for the New Orleans Pelicans who scored a career-high 40 points in the win over the Utah Jazz.
Jordan Poole
A Pelicans player who scored 22 of his 34 points in the decisive third quarter.
Micah Peavy
A rookie for the Pelicans who scored a career-high 20 points in the game.
Jordan Hawkins
A Pelicans player who scored a season-high 25 points.
Derik Queen
A rookie for the Pelicans who had 17 points and 12 rebounds.
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The takeaway
The Pelicans’ young core, led by impressive performances from rookies Jeremiah Fears, Micah Peavy, and Derik Queen, provided a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season. The team’s offensive outburst and record-setting night suggest the Pelicans have promising talent to build around heading into the offseason.