The Memphis Grizzlies made franchise history on Friday night, securing their first-ever NBA Cup win with a commanding 120-109 victory over the injury-plagued New Orleans Pelicans.
Ja Morant led the charge with 27 points and seven assists, propelling Memphis to its fifth consecutive win in a season-defining streak.
Jaren Jackson Jr. added a strong performance with 23 points and eight rebounds, while Santi Aldama turned heads with an efficient 20-point outing, hitting an impressive 8 of 9 shots from the field. The Grizzlies showcased depth and unselfish play, attributes that have become hallmarks of their current hot streak.
For the Pelicans, CJ McCollum carried the offensive load with a team-high 30 points, supported by 21-point contributions from both Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy. However, the absence of key players such as Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram proved too much to overcome. New Orleans is now mired in a seven-game losing streak, having dropped 13 of their last 14 contests.
Memphis seized control early, using their trademark ball movement to outpace the undermanned Pelicans. The Grizzlies tallied 36 assists on 47 made baskets, reinforcing their position as the league’s leader in assists per game at 30. This fluid offensive rhythm was instrumental in dictating the pace and ensuring New Orleans couldn’t keep up.
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The Pelicans attempted a comeback in the third quarter, cutting into a double-digit deficit with sharp shooting from McCollum and Murray. But Memphis quickly responded with a decisive stretch. Jaren Jackson Jr. nailed two clutch baskets, followed by a critical 3-pointer from Jake LaRavia, which extended the Grizzlies’ lead to 15 points and effectively quelled the Pelicans’ rally.
Bench production was another standout factor for Memphis. While the Grizzlies had racked up 72 bench points in their win over Detroit earlier in the week, they showed similar depth against New Orleans. By halftime, Memphis was already halfway to that mark, with 11 players logging meaningful minutes in the game.
The Pelicans, on the other hand, leaned heavily on their backcourt duo. Dejounte Murray, who had labeled the team’s recent 26-point loss to Toronto as an “embarrassment,” delivered a spirited effort alongside McCollum and Murphy. Rookie Yves Missi chipped in 16 points, but the lack of offensive balance was evident in the absence of Williamson and Ingram.
For the Grizzlies, this victory not only secures their place in NBA Cup history but also highlights the team’s cohesion and resilience. With their ball movement firing on all cylinders and contributions coming from across the roster, Memphis continues to solidify its reputation as a team built to contend.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, find themselves at a crossroads. Injuries have decimated their lineup, and despite flashes of brilliance from McCollum and Murray, New Orleans has struggled to find consistency. Sunday’s matchup against the Knicks in New York presents an opportunity to regroup and attempt to snap their losing streak.
The Grizzlies, riding high on momentum, will wrap up their four-game homestand on Sunday against Indiana. With their offensive flow and defensive intensity at peak levels, Memphis appears primed to extend their winning streak and further establish themselves as a force in the league.
This first NBA Cup victory serves as a milestone for Memphis, but perhaps more importantly, it underscores the team’s upward trajectory and the potential for even greater success this season.