Quick Read
- Saddiq Bey scored a season-high 36 points, with 19 in the fourth quarter.
- The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 133-127 after trailing by double digits.
- Zion Williamson contributed 24 points and 11 rebounds for the Pelicans.
- The victory snapped the Pelicans’ three-game losing streak.
- Memphis played without star guard Ja Morant, who is sidelined with an elbow injury amid trade rumors.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Azat TV) – Saddiq Bey exploded for a season-high 36 points, with a remarkable 19 coming in the fourth quarter, as the New Orleans Pelicans mounted a significant comeback to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 133-127 on Friday night. The pivotal performance by Bey helped the Pelicans erase a double-digit second-half deficit and snap a three-game losing streak, providing a much-needed victory for a team currently struggling at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.
Bey’s Heroics Drive Fourth-Quarter Surge
The New Orleans Pelicans found themselves trailing by as much as 13 points in the third quarter after Memphis demonstrated accurate shooting, including converting 12 of 16 shots to start the second half. However, the tide began to turn in the final frame, largely due to Bey’s offensive outburst. He scored 19 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter, consistently finding ways to impact the game when it mattered most. Alongside Bey’s heroics, Zion Williamson utilized his formidable presence to drive to the rim against smaller Grizzlies defenders, contributing 24 points and 11 rebounds.
The game remained tight in the closing minutes, with the Grizzlies briefly taking a 123-122 lead after Jaren Jackson Jr. scored inside. Yet, the Pelicans responded decisively. Williamson completed a crucial three-point play, and Bey followed with a pivotal 3-pointer, securing New Orleans’ victory. Trey Murphy III also played a significant role in the Pelicans’ offensive effort, adding 32 points.
Pelicans Snap Losing Streak Amidst Conference Struggles
This hard-fought victory was particularly significant for the New Orleans Pelicans, who had lost their previous three games and were anchoring last place in the Western Conference. The win also marked a rare success against the Grizzlies, against whom they had lost six straight contests prior to Friday night’s matchup. Despite their overall struggles this season, the Pelicans demonstrated resilience and offensive firepower, particularly in the face of a substantial deficit.
The team will look to build on this momentum as they continue a three-game road trip, with their next challenge set for Sunday against the San Antonio Spurs, as reported by the Associated Press.
Grizzlies Grapple With Injuries and Trade Rumors
For the Memphis Grizzlies, the loss marked their fifth defeat in seven games, leaving them just outside 10th place in the Western Conference standings. The team was led by Jaren Jackson Jr., who finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds, and Jock Landale, who contributed 24 points and 11 rebounds. Cam Spencer also had a strong offensive outing for Memphis, scoring 21 points on efficient 7-of-9 shooting, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc.
Memphis played the game without star guard Ja Morant, who sat out due to a left elbow UCL strain. Morant had recently returned for two games after a six-game absence, and his current injury comes amid growing trade rumors surrounding the player. The Grizzlies will aim to rebound from this loss when they host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.
Saddiq Bey’s dominant fourth-quarter performance underscores his potential as a clutch scorer and provides a vital boost for the struggling Pelicans, demonstrating their capacity to overcome adversity even in a challenging season.