As you all know the NBA has officially resumed. The first game was the Utah Jazz v. The New Orleans Pelicans. The game began with players, coaches, and refs kneeling during the anthem. Many players had social justice phrases on their jerseys which included equality, peace, freedom, say their names, and more. It was great to see players use their platform and voice to show their stance in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the Black lives that we have sadly lost these past years.

In the arena, there were virtual fans on the screens cheering players along. This is a great new concept to make the players feel like it’s a normal game and to get fans involved. 

If you would like to become an NBA virtual fan then simply click here.

This was Rudy Gobert and Donavan Mitchell’s first game since Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus and the hiatus began. Fans were curious to see if the two players were going to have good chemistry after all that’s happened. Both guys played great individually and together. Gobert made two alley oop dunk shots with Mitchell’s assistance. Gobert scored the first two points and ended up scoring the game winning free throws. He also blocked one of Zion’s dunk attempt.

Brandon Ingram played very well. He was the game leader in points and rebounds for his team with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Many think Ingram is this season’s most improved player and should be a leading contender for the NBA Most Improved Player Award. Kevin Durant tweeted shouting out Ingram saying “#14 is a different breed”.

Lonzo Ball is a great passer and his passing skills really showed in this game. This wasn’t Lonzo’s best game but he did a good job distributing the ball to his teammates. He had assists to Ingram, Williamson, Hart, Redick, and Moore. 

Zion played great and made multiple dunk shots. Sources say Zion is upset after only getting 15 minutes of playing time during the game. Maybe the game outcome would have been different if Zion had more playing time.

The final score was Jazz 106, Pelicans 104.

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