Grizzlies (22-13), Pelicans (23-13)
New Orleans played Memphis evenly for three quarters Saturday, but a one-sided fourth quarter led to a familiar result in Bluff City for the Pelicans. The Grizzlies cut their deficit in the Southwest Division to just a half-game by dominating the final 12 minutes, posting a fifth consecutive home victory in head-to-head meetings vs. the Pelicans over the past two-plus seasons. Memphis won the fourth quarter 33-22, holding its guests scoreless during a run that forced New Orleans to call a quick timeout. “They were a step ahead of us tonight,” Pelicans head coach Willie Green credited of the Grizzlies. “We won’t make any excuses. They played an all-around solid game and took care of business on their home floor.”
IT WAS OVER WHEN…
Memphis reserve big Brandon Clarke grabbed a rebound, then pushed up a floater that bounced on the rim before dropping in for a 98-83 lead midway through the fourth quarter. The Grizzlies were up just four through three periods, but began the final stanza with a momentum-grabbing 7-0 run, launched by Jaren Jackson Jr.’s banked-in three-pointer.
PELICANS PLAYER OF THE GAME
Naji Marshall lifted New Orleans out of the doldrums in the first half, scoring 12 of the team’s 50 points, including eight in the second quarter (won 25-22 by the Pelicans). Marshall, along with fellow reserves such as Jaxson Hayes and Willy Hernangomez, were part of the reason the visitors stayed within striking distance for much of the evening.
BY THE NUMBERS
95: Days until New Orleans and Memphis wrap up their four-game season series in the Crescent City on April 5. That means the Grizzlies will hold the tiebreaker edge for at least the next three-plus months, based on their 2-1 head-to-head lead.
21: Steven Adams rebounds. The former New Orleans center (2020-21 season) was an immovable object in the paint, grabbing five of those boards on the offensive glass.
2: Place in the Western Conference for New Orleans following Saturday’s loss. Denver (23-12) shifted back into first but will need to beat Boston on Sunday in Colorado to remain there.
Pelicans Highlights: Zion Williamson scores 20 points vs. Memphis Grizzlies 12/31/22
REVISITING FANDUEL KEYS TO THE GAME
DON’T PROCRASTINATE
The first New Year’s resolution-themed key was to run and generate fast-break opportunities, but this was one of many facets of the offense that were not good for the Pelicans on Saturday.
SAVE MORE (POSSESSIONS)
New Orleans turnovers were a genuine problem (11 in the first half alone), costing the offensive attack opportunities and also igniting Memphis going the other way.
TAKE MORE FUN FAMILY TRIPS
This trip north up to Tennessee was definitely not enjoyable in any fashion. New Orleans dropped to 7-9 on the road this season, in its fifth straight defeat at FedEx Forum, dating back to the tail end of the 2020-21 campaign.
#SATURDAYSCORER
Jaxson Hayes tacked on some buckets in the fourth quarter that weren’t significant on the FedEx Forum scoreboard, but helped Pelicans radio host Gus Kattengell break through for his first victory of 2022-23. Hayes finished with 13 points, tripling his previous season average of 3.9. That makes the updated season standings: Jim 2, Joe 1, Gus 1, Fans 0. Next Saturday game: Jan. 7 at Dallas.