Ty Jerome scored 40 points, but the Memphis Grizzlies suffered their first loss of the 2026-27 season, falling 135-134 to the New Orleans Pelicans in overtime on Monday night at FedExForum. Zion Williamson scored 25 points, including nine in overtime, as New Orleans extended its winning streak to three games.
Jeremiah Fears made two free throws with 7.3 seconds remaining to give the Pelicans the lead. Jerome had a chance to force another overtime or win the game, but his 15-foot attempt in the final seconds missed.
Karlo Matkovic matched Williamson with 25 points, setting a career high, while Derik Queen added 20 points and seven rebounds. Fears finished with 12 points and seven assists, and Trey Murphy III contributed 18 points.
Jerome shot 14-of-22 from the field and 5-of-6 from three-point range. He also recorded five rebounds and five assists, including a decisive late stretch in regulation that kept Memphis alive.
The guard scored nine consecutive points in the final 1:43 of the fourth quarter, bringing the score to 124-124 and sending the game into overtime. Cameron Boozer added 18 points and nine rebounds for Memphis, while Jaylen Wells scored 16.
The Grizzlies entered the game as the NBA’s last undefeated team after winning their first six contests, matching the best season-opening record in franchise history. New Orleans improved to 3-4 after overcoming a 100-95 deficit entering the fourth quarter.
The Pelicans played without Dejounte Murray, who missed his third straight game for personal reasons, as well as injured Yves Missi and Jordan Poole.
New Orleans hosts the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, while Memphis welcomes the Indiana Pacers that night.
