Ja Morant led the Memphis Grizzlies with 35 points, including a pivotal basket with 32.9 seconds remaining, to secure a 128-122 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night at FedExForum.
Memphis erased a 67-56 halftime deficit with a 27-6 run in the third quarter, turning a tight game into a 97-89 lead entering the fourth. Jaren Jackson added 18 points and six blocks, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope contributed 15 points.
Rookie Cedric Coward impressed with 14 points, going 5-for-5 from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line, marking the first flawless shooting debut by a rookie with at least 10 points since Thabo Sefolosha in 2006. Olivier-Maxence Prosper also hit crucial free throws late to help seal the win.
Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 27 points, nine rebounds, five steals, and five assists. Herbert Jones, Jordan Poole, and rookie Jeremiah Fears each added 17 points, but the Pelicans could not overcome Memphis’ third-quarter surge.
The game featured the top two picks from the 2019 NBA Draft, with Williamson selected first and Morant second, highlighting the talent on both sides. Memphis overcame early foul trouble and injuries to control the game in the decisive stretch.
The Grizzlies shot 51.2% overall, while the Pelicans finished with 45.9% from the field and 37% from three-point range. Both teams showed promise for the season, with Memphis looking to improve after a first-round playoff exit and New Orleans aiming to rebound from a 21-61 campaign.
Memphis will host the Miami Heat on Friday, while the Pelicans open their home schedule against the San Antonio Spurs the same night.
