Historic offensive depth in New Orleans
In a dominant display of collective offensive efficiency, the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 142-111 on Friday, November 13, 2026. This victory in the NBA Cup group play was highlighted by a rare statistical achievement: the Grizzlies matched an NBA record by having 10 different players score in double figures. The performance served as a definitive statement for the Memphis roster, which has now secured six consecutive road victories, marking the best road start in the franchise’s history. This historic stretch away from home underscores a tactical evolution, as the Grizzlies have moved away from heavy reliance on singular star power, opting instead for a system that leverages the entirety of their bench depth to overwhelm opponents.
The offensive output was relentless throughout the contest, as reported by WRAL. Memphis maintained high scoring momentum with three consecutive 35-point quarters, followed by a 37-point fourth quarter. The team’s perimeter shooting proved to be a decisive factor, as they finished 18 of 45 from 3-point range, while limiting the Pelicans to just 7 of 31 from beyond the arc. This disparity in shooting efficiency played a major role in the lopsided final score, as the Grizzlies were able to consistently find open looks while the Pelicans struggled to establish any rhythm against the Memphis defensive scheme.
Tactical breakdown of the performance
Jerami Grant led the Grizzlies with 22 points, including a pivotal seven-point sequence in the second quarter that took just seven seconds to unfold. Grant’s flurry—which included two 3-pointers and a free throw following an illegal closeout by Zion Williamson—was instrumental in helping Memphis build a 62-46 lead. This specific sequence served as a microcosm of the team’s aggressive approach, as they capitalized on defensive lapses to build an insurmountable advantage. However, the game ended prematurely for Grant, who exited with 7:36 remaining in the contest after a collision with Herb Jones during a drive to the basket. His early departure provided a window for the rest of the roster to demonstrate their readiness, and the reserves did not falter.
The scoring distribution across the Memphis roster was remarkably balanced, a trend that has become the hallmark of their current road success. Ty Jerome contributed 17 points, while Cedric Coward, GG Jackson, and Cam Spencer each added 14 points. The bench depth remained a constant pressure point for the Pelicans, with Isaiah Stewart and Cam Boozer chipping in 12 points apiece, followed by Jaylen Wells with 11, and Taylor Hendricks and Javon Small reaching 10 points each. This collective scoring effort ensured that Memphis was never dependent on a single player to maintain their lead, allowing them to remain fresh and focused throughout the entire duration of the game.
Stakes and group standings
This result has immediate implications for the West’s Group B standings in the NBA Cup. The Grizzlies improved their tournament record to 1-1, keeping their advancement hopes alive after a difficult start. Conversely, the Pelicans fell to 0-2, placing them in a precarious position for the remainder of the group stage. For New Orleans, the individual performance of Saddiq Bey, who recorded 30 points, served as a bright spot; he became the first Pelican to surpass the 30-point mark in a single game this season. Zion Williamson added 22 points, five rebounds, and three steals in the losing effort, but the lack of secondary scoring support proved fatal to their chances of keeping pace with the balanced Memphis attack.
The Grizzlies’ ability to sustain this level of team-oriented play will be tested immediately. The team is scheduled to host Brooklyn on Saturday night, November 14, while the Pelicans face a quick turnaround against Denver on the same evening. The franchise’s current road dominance suggests a shift in their tactical execution, relying less on individual star-dependency and more on the depth that allowed them to overwhelm the New Orleans defense in this high-scoring affair. As the NBA Cup season progresses, the Grizzlies’ strategy of utilizing a deep rotation could prove to be a significant advantage, particularly in tournament settings where the demand for consistent performance across the roster is heightened. For New Orleans, the path forward requires an urgent recalibration of their defensive priorities and a more concerted effort to facilitate scoring beyond their primary options if they hope to secure a victory in their upcoming matchups.
Evaluating the road-winning streak
The six-game road-winning streak marks a significant milestone for the Grizzlies, representing the best start to a season on the road in the history of the franchise. This is not merely a statistical anomaly but a reflection of the team’s mental toughness and tactical discipline when playing in hostile environments. By consistently outperforming opponents on their home courts, the Grizzlies have signaled a major shift in the competitive landscape of the Western Conference. Their ability to adapt their game plan to different arenas, as seen in their efficient ball movement and perimeter defense against New Orleans, provides a solid foundation for their ambitions in the NBA Cup and beyond. As they return home to host Brooklyn, the challenge will be to maintain this same level of intensity, proving that their road success is a sustainable feature of their identity rather than a temporary surge in form.
The game also highlighted the physical demands of the NBA Cup, with the injury concern surrounding Jerami Grant serving as a reminder of the risks associated with an aggressive style of play. Despite the loss of their leading scorer late in the fourth quarter, the Grizzlies’ bench maintained the pressure, which indicates a depth of talent that is often the difference between a good team and a championship contender. The Pelicans, meanwhile, will need to address the defensive lapses that allowed Memphis to score in such high volumes, particularly the inability to close out on shooters or contain the perimeter. With the tournament stakes rising, every possession and every defensive rotation becomes critical in determining who advances to the next stage of the competition.