Of course, it comes down to Rudy Gobert. In the official start of the 2019-20 NBA season in Orlando, the man whose positive COVID-19 test prompted the league's hiatus, hit two game-winning free throws with 6.9 seconds remaining to give the Utah Jazz a 106-104 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Utah started strong, but New Orleans ended the first quarter on an 18-4 run—boosted by J.J. Redick (21 points).
Alvin Gentry’s offense operated smoothly through the second quarter—especially Brandon Ingram—while Utah’s execution was shakier. The Pelicans went up by as many as 16, and led 60-48 at the break.
New Orleans led 87-79 after three quarters, but went cold in the fourth. Utah took back the lead with four minutes to go and found just enough offense to hang on.
Ingram finished with 23 points and eight rebounds, though his best basketball came in the first half. He missed the potential game-winning three in the final seconds.
Jrue Holiday was typically low-key productive on both ends, posting 20 points, five rebounds, and four assists. He initially kept Donovan Mitchell in check, though the Jazz All-Star manufactured eight straight points down the stretch (mostly from the free throw line) on his way to 20 points.
Lonzo Ball had seven assists but struggled mightily with his shot (2-14 FG).
Utah clearly benefited from the minutes restriction placed on Zion Williamson. The rookie posted 13 points (6-18 FG) in 15 minutes, including two sweet alley-oop finishes and a behind-the-back dime to Ball.
Mike Conley Jr.—who had started to find a groove before the hiatus—scored 20 points, while Gobert had 14 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks.
Jordan Clarkson provided the essential offensive spark for Quin Snyder's group in the absence of Bojan Bogdonavic (wrist surgery), dropping 23 points off the bench.
The teams combined for 40 turnovers as they shook off the rust.
The Pelicans (29-37) will play their next seeding game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Utah (42-23) will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder, with both games taking place on Saturday.
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