On Friday night the Memphis Grizzlies snapped a four‑game losing streak with a 112‑108 comeback win over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. A back‑and‑forth battle saw the Pelicans lead early, but Memphis rallied in the fourth quarter, highlighted by Ja Morant’s clutch layup and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s decisive three, sealing the upset.
Game‑by‑Game Breakdown
The Pelicans opened strong as Zion Williamson drove for an early 8‑2 run, giving New Orleans a 14‑6 lead. Memphis answered with Ja Morant’s penetrations and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s stretch‑four shooting, trimming the deficit to 28‑26 by the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Pelicans’ bench sparked a surge, highlighted by Jordan Nwora’s three consecutive three‑pointers, extending the lead to 55‑48 at halftime. The Grizzlies entered the locker room with a clear plan: rely on perimeter shooting and force turnovers.
The third quarter turned defensive, as Memphis forced six turnovers and converted them into 12 fast‑break points. Morant finished the night with 28 points, 7 assists and 4 steals, while Desmond Bane added 22 points, including a key three that gave Memphis a 78‑77 edge with 3:12 left in the period.
In the final frame the Pelicans reclaimed a 102‑101 lead after a Williamson dunk, but the Grizzlies responded with a 10‑2 run. A clutch three from Jaren Jackson Jr. and Morant’s decisive layup with 18 seconds remaining secured the 112‑108 victory.
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Key Performances
- Ja Morant: 28 points, 7 assists, 4 steals – veteran point guard’s late‑game poise made the difference.
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: 21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks – floor‑spacing ability opened driving lanes for Morant.
- Zion Williamson: 26 points, 10 rebounds – solid effort, but the Pelicans’ supporting cast faltered in the clutch.
- Saddiq Bey: 14 points, 5 rebounds – former Pelicans sharpshooter now with Memphis contributed timely buckets and defensive stops.
Context and Background
The Grizzlies entered the matchup at 18‑27, mired in a four‑game losing streak and having dropped seven of their last nine contests, including a recent 112‑97 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. The slump raised questions about the team’s ability to compete in a Western Conference crowded with playoff contenders.
The Pelicans (12‑37) were fighting for pride in a rebuilding season. After a promising stretch in early January, New Orleans slipped to a five‑game losing streak, prompting scrutiny of coaching adjustments and the development of their young core.
Implications
For Memphis
The win halts a demoralizing skid and brings the Grizzlies within two games of the play‑in threshold in the West. It reaffirms Morant’s status as a clutch performer and validates the coaching staff’s emphasis on defensive intensity. Sustaining this level of play could position Memphis for a lower‑seeded playoff berth.
For New Orleans
The loss extends the Pelicans’ streak to six and highlights the need for secondary scoring beyond Williamson and Ingram. Head coach Willie Green faces pressure to accelerate the development of players like Nwora and Trey Murphy III, while the upcoming trade deadline may prompt moves to bolster bench depth, especially in three‑point shooting.
Fan Reaction
Supporters praised Morant’s late heroics, dubbing the performance “The Comeback Kid Returns.” Pelicans fans expressed frustration, calling for more consistency from the supporting cast and emphasizing the urgency of improving bench contributions.
Looking Ahead
The Grizzlies travel to Denver next, where they will test their newfound momentum against a high‑scoring Avalanche squad. The Pelicans head west for a road trip to the Midwest, facing the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves—games that could either reignite their season or cement their rebuilding status.
