by Rell Wright Pelicans Contributor
The New Orleans Pelicans started strong but couldn’t sustain their momentum in a 139-126 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. With Zion Williamson sidelined, Dejounte Murray led the charge with 26 points, supported by Trey Murphy III and CJ McCollum, who each added 22, and rookie Jordan Hawkins with 20.
New Orleans’ backcourt flourished early, combining for 32 first-half points to secure a 71-62 halftime lead. The Pelicans’ defense, however, could not contain Memphis in the second half, as the Grizzlies overwhelmed them with a relentless offensive attack.
Memphis turned the tide behind Jaren Jackson Jr.’s dominant 29-point performance, including 15 points in a pivotal third quarter. Luke Kennard’s sharpshooting, highlighted by seven made 3-pointers, and Desmond Bane’s all-around effort with 20 points and 14 assists, fueled a 77-55 second-half surge.
Despite trimming the deficit to six in the fourth quarter, the Pelicans faltered during a 15-5 Grizzlies run that sealed their fate. The Pelicans now turn their focus to their matchup against the Charlotte Hornets, eager to address their defensive shortcomings and rediscover the consistency needed to compete without Williamson in the lineup.
