The New Orleans Pelicans clinched a hard-fought 96-87 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in a thrilling matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
This nail-biting game played on Monday night, showcased outstanding performances from both teams.
Let’s explore the key player stats and highlights shaping this intense basketball battle.
New Orleans Pelicans Vs Memphis Grizzlies Match Player Stats
Pelicans Team Stats
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | PF |
| Starters | ||||
| H. Jones | 17 | 9 | 1 | 3 |
| B. Ingram | 16 | 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Z. Williamson | 14 | 5 | 4 | 1 |
| C. McCollum | 11 | 5 | 2 | 1 |
| J. Valanciunas | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 |
| Bench | ||||
| J. Alvarado | 10 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| T. Murphy III | 9 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| L. Nance Jr. | 8 | 9 | 3 | 3 |
| N. Marshall | 5 | 7 | 0 | 1 |
| C. Zeller | – | – | – | – |
| M. Hill | – | – | – | – |
| M. Ryan | – | – | – | – |
| J. Hawkins | – | – | – | – |
| D. Daniels | – | – | – | – |
| E. Liddell | – | – | – | – |
| J. Robinson-Earl | – | – | – | – |
| D. Seabron | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 96 | 49 | 21 | 18 |
Grizzlies Team Stats
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | PF |
| Starters | ||||
| J. Jackson Jr. | 22 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
| V. Williams Jr. | 12 | 3 | 9 | 2 |
| S. Aldama | 6 | 4 | 5 | 0 |
| S. Pippen Jr. | 6 | 3 | 6 | 3 |
| J. Konchar | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Bench | ||||
| L. Kennard | 12 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Y. Watanabe | 11 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| L. Stevens | 10 | 7 | 0 | 3 |
| T. Jemison | 6 | 5 | 1 | 4 |
| D. Rose | – | – | – | – |
| M. Smart | – | – | – | – |
| B. Clarke | – | – | – | – |
| S. Harrison | – | – | – | – |
| D. Bane | – | – | – | – |
| J. Morant | – | – | – | – |
| J. Gilyard | – | – | – | – |
| G. Jackson | – | – | – | – |
| J. Nowell | – | – | – | – |
| M. Hurt | – | – | – | – |
| J. LaRavia | – | – | – | – |
| T. Evbuomwan | – | – | – | – |
| Z. Williams | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 87 | 36 | 28 | 17 |
Pelicans’ Stellar Performances
The Pelicans’ victory was a true team effort, with several players stepping up to make significant contributions:
- Herbert Jones: Leading the charge with an impressive 17 points and 9 rebounds
- Brandon Ingram: Close behind with 16 points, including crucial late-game buckets
- Zion Williamson: Adding firepower with 14 points
- CJ McCollum: Chipping in 11 points to round out the scoring
Jones’ performance was particularly noteworthy, as he not only led the team in scoring but also played a pivotal role in the Pelicans’ dominance on the boards.
New Orleans outrebounded Memphis 49-37, a factor that proved crucial in securing their win.
Grizzlies’ Valiant Effort
Despite facing their ninth consecutive loss, the Memphis Grizzlies showed remarkable resilience:
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: Topped the Grizzlies’ scoreboard with 22 points
- Vince Williams Jr.: Contributed 12 points and dished out 9 assists
- Luke Kennard: Added 12 points to the team’s tally
- Yuta Watanabe: Sparked a fourth-quarter rally with 11 points
Watanabe’s return to the Grizzlies lineup after being acquired at the trade deadline proved to be a bright spot for Memphis.
His energy and scoring touch in the fourth quarter helped the Grizzlies mount a comeback attempt that had the Pelicans on their heels.
Game Flow: A Tale of Two Halves
The game’s narrative unfolded in distinct chapters:
1. First Half: The Pelicans built a commanding 14-point lead by halftime (61-47)
2. Third Quarter: New Orleans extended their advantage to a whopping 25 points
3. Fourth Quarter: Memphis staged a dramatic comeback, cutting the lead to just 5 points
The Grizzlies’ late-game surge, fueled by a 25-7 run spanning the third and fourth quarters, turned what seemed like a blowout into a nail-biter.
However, the Pelicans’ defense stood firm in the clutch moments, securing their second consecutive victory.
Coaching Insights
Pelicans coach Willie Green praised the Grizzlies’ tenacity, noting, “They fought us for 48 minutes.”
He acknowledged his team’s struggles in the fourth quarter but commended their ability to “find a way at the end to win the game.”
On the Grizzlies’ side, coach Taylor Jenkins expressed admiration for his makeshift lineup’s performance, particularly highlighting the contributions of newcomers like Watanabe and Lamar Stevens.
Looking Ahead
Both teams now set their sights on their upcoming matchups:
- The Pelicans will host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday
- The Grizzlies prepare to face the Houston Rockets, also on Wednesday
As the regular season progresses, these games will be crucial for both teams’ playoff aspirations and positioning.
Conclusion
This Pelicans vs Grizzlies showdown exemplified the unpredictable nature of NBA basketball. From dominating leads to fierce comebacks, the game had it all.
While New Orleans walked away with the win, both teams demonstrated the grit and determination that make professional basketball so thrilling to watch.
