Jeremiah Fears kept showing why his role in the New Orleans backcourt has become such an important part of the early season. Even in Friday night’s 115-109 loss to the Timberwolves, he delivered 24 points and filled the box score in a performance that continued a strong run over his last five contests.
The rookie guard was efficient as well, finishing 9-16 from the field, 0-1 from three and 6-7 at the line. He added five assists, two steals and five rebounds, which is exactly the sort of multi-category line that has made him useful well beyond simple scoring. For readers tracking broader frontcourt value, 70 points in the paint should make the Bucks think twice before moving Myles Turner — Wendell Carter Jr. looms large, and that same kind of interior pressure is what can reshape games even when the result does not go a team’s way.
A steady stretch in a bigger role
What stands out with Fears is not just one big game, but the way he has been contributing across categories on a regular basis. Over his last five contests, he has produced at least 12 points, at least two assists and at least four rebounds in each outing, which points to a player handling responsibility with confidence.
That stretch fits the numbers he has put up so far this season. Fears is averaging 14.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game with a 24.6% usage rate, a clear sign that New Orleans is trusting him with a sizeable early-season role.
What the box score says about Fears
The Timberwolves result will not feel satisfying, but the individual performance matters. Fears did not just score; he influenced the game in a range of ways and gave New Orleans consistent ball-handling and activity on both ends.
For the Pelicans, that is the encouraging part. If Fears continues to pair scoring with passing, rebounding and defensive activity, his production should remain a steady feature of their offense rather than a one-off spike.
