Jazz edge the Pelicans 120-119 on Darryn Peterson's late free throws as Yves Missi hurts his knee

Rookie Darryn Peterson made two free throws with 50.5 seconds left as the Utah Jazz held on to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 120-119 on Friday night in Salt Lake City.

Jaren Jackson Jr. led Utah with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Keyonte George had 19 points and 10 assists. Jaxson Hayes scored 17 off the bench on 7-of-8 shooting. Lauri Markkanen added 16 and Peterson finished with 15.

Zion Williamson scored 23 points for the Pelicans, who fell to 0-2. Saddiq Bey added 20 off the bench and Dejounte Murray had 16.

A tight finish

New Orleans trailed 116-111 with under three minutes left after a Jackson 3-pointer. Williamson answered with four straight free throws and a running dunk. Murray's basket with 1:01 left gave the Pelicans a 119-118 lead.

Peterson was fouled on the next trip and calmly made both free throws. On the following possession Williamson was called for an offensive foul. The Pelicans challenged the call but it was upheld. Murray missed a pull-up jumper in the closing seconds.

Missi helped off the floor

The Pelicans lost starting center Yves Missi in the second quarter. Williamson's drive was blocked by Hayes and Williamson fell into Missi's left leg. Missi grabbed his knee on the baseline and could not put weight on the leg as he was helped to the locker room.

New Orleans coach Jamahl Mosley drew a technical foul for protesting the no-call. Missi was ruled out with a left knee injury and will be reevaluated Saturday. He had six points in nine minutes. In the season opener he had 13 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and three blocks.

Up next

The Pelicans visit the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. The Jazz host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday afternoon.