Imagine a basketball game where a team clawed its way back from a double-digit deficit in the final quarter, fueled by a player’s career-high performance. That’s exactly what happened when the New Orleans Pelicans stunned the Memphis Grizzlies in a thrilling 133-127 victory on January 23, 2026. But here’s where it gets controversial—was this a testament to the Pelicans’ resilience, or a glaring sign of the Grizzlies’ crumbling defense? Let’s dive in.
Saddiq Bey emerged as the hero of the night, scoring a staggering 19 of his season-best 36 points in the fourth quarter. His clutch performance, coupled with Trey Murphy III’s 32 points and Zion Williamson’s 24 points and 11 rebounds, propelled the Pelicans to snap a three-game losing streak. And this is the part most people miss—Williamson’s dominance in the paint against a smaller Grizzlies defense was the turning point that shifted the game’s momentum.
For Memphis, Jaren Jackson Jr. led the charge with 26 points and 12 rebounds, while Jock Landale contributed 24 points and 11 rebounds. Cam Spencer added 21 points, shooting an impressive 7 of 9 from the field, including 4 of 6 from beyond the arc. Despite their efforts, the Grizzlies couldn’t hold onto their 13-point lead in the third quarter, raising questions about their consistency.
The Pelicans, who had lost six straight games to Memphis, found themselves trailing 123-122 late in the fourth. But a three-point play by Williams and a clutch 3-pointer by Bey sealed the deal. Here’s the bold question—did the Grizzlies miss Ja Morant’s leadership on the court, or was this loss a deeper issue? Morant, sidelined with a left elbow UCL strain, has been at the center of trade rumors, leaving fans and analysts divided.
Memphis’ hot start to the second half, converting 12 of 16 shots (including all six 3-point attempts), seemed to set the tone for a Grizzlies victory. However, the Pelicans’ relentless comeback, fueled by Williamson and Bey, flipped the script. By the end, New Orleans had not only erased the deficit but also overtaken Memphis in a dramatic finish.
Currently, the Pelicans are anchored in last place in the Western Conference, while the Grizzlies hover just outside the 10th spot, having lost five of their last seven games. Here’s a thought-provoking question for you—is this the beginning of a turnaround for the Pelicans, or just a fleeting moment of glory? And for the Grizzlies, is this a temporary slump, or a sign of deeper troubles?
Looking ahead, the Pelicans continue their three-game road trip in San Antonio on Sunday, while the Grizzlies host the Denver Nuggets the same day. Will the Pelicans build on this momentum, or will the Grizzlies regroup and bounce back? Only time will tell. Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think the Pelicans’ win was a fluke, or are they finally finding their rhythm? And what’s next for the Grizzlies without Morant?
