The Utah Jazz have hit the cellar of the Western Conference. Zion Williamson highlighted a 24-point, 14-rebound performance with an array of thunderous dunks during a dominant fourth-quarter stint, and the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Utah Jazz 136-123 on Friday night to open a two-game set.

The New Orleans Pelicans have the worst record in the NBA's Western Conference, but they're in the midst of their best stretch of the season. They have won three of their last four games and five of the last eight as they prepare to host the Utah Jazz on Friday night.

And on this roadtrip, where the Jazz will face the Pelicans once more on Monday night, it was really, really important for the Jazz decision makers to find a way to finagle a loss against the Pelicans.

Pelicans Top Performers CJ McCollum: 26 points, 5 rebounds, 6 3PM Zion Williamson: 24 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks Trey Murphy III: 19 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 3PM Trey Murphy tallies 27th straight game with multiple 3PM to start his season.