New Orleans PelicansOpen full analysis
Memphis GrizzliesOpen full analysis
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 133–127 on January 23 at FedExForum, surpassing the Vegas total of 240.5 points with a fourth-quarter surge that proved decisive. Saddiq Bey led New Orleans with 36 points, while teammate Trey Murphy III added 32 points to anchor the Pelicans' offensive attack. Memphis countered with J. Jackson Jr. scoring 26 points and J. Landale contributing 24, but the Grizzlies' 19 turnovers and 126 defensive rating proved costly. New Orleans' defense was stifling, recording 14 steals and holding a 119 defensive rating, while the Pelicans dominated the final quarter 40–26 to secure the road victory. Memphis shot 48.9 percent from the field and made 18 three-pointers, yet the home team's 34 assists couldn't overcome their turnover issues and defensive lapses. New Orleans shot 46.5 percent while committing just 10 turnovers, showcasing superior ball security. The Pelicans' 40-point fourth quarter exemplified their ability to close games decisively, a sign of their improving late-game execution.
