NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Ricky Rubio had 30 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists, and Utah overcame Anthony Davis’ first career triple-double for a 116-99 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday that extended the Jazz’s winning streak to six.
Donovan Mitchell scored 27 points, including 15 during the last 3:08 of the third quarter to put Utah in front for good in what could be an important victory in a tightly packed race for one of the Western Conference’s final five playoff spots. Rudy Gobert added 19 points and 16 rebounds, and Joe Ingles scored 20 for Utah, which has won 11 straight on the road.
Davis had 25 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high 10 blocks in his return from a sprained left ankle that sidelined him for one game, but he had to spend the rest of his 25th birthday ruing New Orleans’ second straight loss.
Jrue Holiday had 18 points and 10 assists for the Pelicans, but missed 12 of 19 shots, turned the ball over four times and struggled defensively against Utah’s backcourt tandem of Rubio and Mitchell while guarding each at various points during the game.
Mitchell’s 15-point outburst at the end of the third helped the Jazz turn a five-point deficit into a four-point lead. His highlights during that surge included a stumbling reverse layup past Davis as he was fouled by Holiday, which he converted for a three-point play.
He also hit two 3s during that stretch, the last making it 78-74 with 2 seconds left in the period.
New Orleans still had hope after E’Twaun Moore’s transition layup as he was fouled pulled the Pelicans to 104-97 with 3:10 left, but New Orleans managed only two more points as Utah pulled away.
TIP-INS
Jazz: Has won three of four matchups this season. … Held an opponent under 100 for the 30th time, and is 25-5 in such games. … Gobert recorded his 22nd double-double this season and 10th in 13 games. … Mitchell scored 20 or more for the 34th time, more than any other rookie. … Shot 12 of 32 (37.5 percent) from 3-point range and outrebounded New Orleans 55-38. … Jae Crowder missed 10 of 11 shots but his only make was a 3 in the fourth quarter that gave Utah an 84-78 lead.
Pelicans: Davis tied his own franchise record with six blocks in one half. … Ian Clark scored 14 in a reserve role. … Emeka Okafor scored 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting. … Moore had 10 points. … Shot 6 of 21 (28.6 percent) from 3-point range.
UP NEXT
Jazz: Host Detroit on Tuesday night.
Pelicans: Host Charlotte on Tuesday night.
