On January 23, 2026, the New Orleans Pelicans snapped their three-game losing streak with a thrilling 133-127 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Saddiq Bey led the charge with a season-high 36 points, 19 of which came in the fourth quarter, turning the tide after the Grizzlies had built a double-digit lead. Trey Murphy III contributed 32 points, and Zion Williamson added 24 points and 11 rebounds. The Pelicans' win marked a significant turnaround, as they had been on a six-game losing streak against the Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies, led by Jaren Jackson Jr. with 26 points and 12 rebounds, and Jock Landale with 24 points and 11 rebounds, started the second half strongly, converting 12 of 16 shots, including all six 3-point attempts. This built their first double-digit lead of the game, with a 101-93 advantage entering the final quarter. However, the Pelicans' resilience and the bulk of Zion Williamson proved too much for Memphis to handle.
The turning point came when Bey and Williamson took control, with Bey's 3-pointer and Williams' three-point play sealing the deal. The Pelicans' win moved them out of last place in the Western Conference, while the Grizzlies, who have lost five of seven, remain just outside the top 10. The Grizzlies' star guard, Ja Morant, sat out with a left elbow UCL strain, further adding to their struggles.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans will continue their three-game road trip in San Antonio on Sunday, while the Grizzlies will host the Denver Nuggets on the same day. The game showcased the Pelicans' ability to overcome adversity and the Grizzlies' challenges without their key players, leaving fans eager for more intense matchups between these two teams.
