On January 24, 2025, the Memphis Grizzlies secured their fifth consecutive victory with a commanding 139-126 win over the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum in Memphis. The game was highlighted by Jaren Jackson Jr.‘s outstanding performance, as he scored 29 points and provided seven assists, leading the Grizzlies to a decisive win.
Game Overview
The Grizzlies overcame a nine-point halftime deficit by starting the third quarter with a strong 28-12 run, scoring 43 points in the quarter. They hit their first seven shots and managed to build an 18-point lead in the final minutes of the game.
Key Performances
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: Jackson’s 29 points were complemented by seven assists, showcasing his versatility and leadership on the court.
- Luke Kennard: Kennard added a season-high 27 points, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive output.
- Desmond Bane: Bane continued his strong performance streak with 20 points and 14 assists, marking his seventh straight game with at least 20 points.
Pelicans’ Efforts
Despite the loss, the Pelicans had notable contributions from Dejounte Murray, who led with 26 points. However, the team struggled without their star player, Zion Williamson, who was sidelined due to illness.
Injury Impact
Both teams played without their top players, with Ja Morant for Memphis and Zion Williamson for New Orleans, due to illness. The Grizzlies managed to overcome Morant’s absence, while the Pelicans continued to face challenges without Williamson.
Team Statistics
- Grizzlies: The team shot 47.2% from the field and connected on 17 of 41 three-point attempts (41.5%).
- Pelicans: New Orleans struggled from deep, converting just 28.9% of their three-point attempts (11-of-38.
Upcoming Games
- Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies will host the Utah Jazz on January 26, 2025. This game will be an opportunity for Memphis to continue their strong form and further solidify their position in the Western Conference standings.
- New Orleans Pelicans: The Pelicans will face the Charlotte Hornets on January 26, 2025. New Orleans will look to bounce back after this tough loss and find ways to generate more offense without Williamson.
Conclusion
The Memphis Grizzlies‘ 139-126 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans highlighted the team’s impressive depth and resilience. Jaren Jackson Jr. showcased why he is one of the premier players in the league, leading the charge in the second half. Alongside him, Luke Kennard and Desmond Bane provided crucial support, ensuring that the Grizzlies would not relinquish their hold on the game.
The Pelicans, while undermanned without Zion Williamson, showed fight with strong individual performances from Dejounte Murray. However, they were ultimately unable to contain Memphis’ offensive explosion in the third quarter.
The Grizzlies’ ability to perform without Ja Morant and continue their dominant run is a testament to their depth, and they will look to continue their streak as they head into their upcoming game against the Utah Jazz. Meanwhile, the Pelicans will aim to bounce back in their next game against the Charlotte Hornets, hoping to regroup and find their rhythm.
For the Grizzlies, this victory further cements their status as one of the top contenders in the Western Conference, while the Pelicans will need to regroup and adjust as they navigate injuries to key players.
Both teams have the talent to make significant noise as the season progresses, and it will be interesting to see how the rest of the season unfolds for them both.
As the Grizzlies continue to navigate through a season full of challenges and injuries, their resilience will be a major factor in their pursuit of playoff contention. Meanwhile, the Pelicans, despite their loss, showed they can still compete at a high level when fully healthy, and with the eventual return of Zion Williamson, they will likely remain a tough contender in the race for playoff spots. The game served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NBA season, where every team has the potential to shock and surprise, and every game offers a new story waiting to be written.
