In a highly anticipated showdown featuring 2019 NBA draft rivals Ja Morant and Zion Williamson, Morant’s explosive 35-point night and a dominant third-quarter performance lifted the Memphis Grizzlies to a 128-122 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans to kick off the new NBA season.
The Memphis Grizzlies started their 2025-2026 NBA campaign with a statement win, rallying from an early deficit to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 128-122. The victory, secured on Wednesday night at FedEx Forum, was largely orchestrated by an electrifying performance from Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, who poured in 35 points.
Morant vs. Williamson: The Rivalry Reignites
The game was particularly significant as it showcased the top two picks from the 2019 NBA draft: Zion Williamson, who went first overall to the Pelicans, and Ja Morant, selected second by the Grizzlies. Their careers have been intertwined with comparisons and “what-if” scenarios, making every head-to-head matchup a must-watch for fans.
On this opening night, Morant got the better of his draft counterpart. His 35 points included a crucial basket with 32.9 seconds remaining that extended Memphis’s lead to 122-118. He then sealed the win with clutch free throws, alongside teammates Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Williamson, while impressive with 27 points, nine rebounds, five steals, and five assists, couldn’t prevent the Pelicans’ collapse.
Fans have long debated who has had the better career trajectory since the 2019 draft, a topic often discussed on forums like Reddit’s NBA community. This game added another chapter to that evolving narrative.
The Third-Quarter Surge: Memphis’s Resilience
Despite Morant’s heroics, the Grizzlies faced an uphill battle initially. Plagued by injuries and foul trouble in the first half, Memphis allowed the Pelicans to build a significant 67-56 lead by halftime. This early struggle highlighted the team’s depth concerns, a familiar theme for Grizzlies fans coming off a postseason where they were eliminated in the first round by the eventual NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder, as reported by Associated Press.
However, the Grizzlies unleashed a phenomenal 27-6 rally in the third quarter, completely erasing New Orleans’ advantage. This dominant run was part of an overwhelming 41-22 period that gave Memphis a 97-89 lead heading into the final frame. This kind of resilient, comeback performance is a hallmark of the Grizzlies’ “Grit and Grind” era, a strategy that continues to resonate with their fanbase.
Key Contributions Across the Roster
While Ja Morant led the scoring, he wasn’t alone in powering the Grizzlies’ victory. Other notable performances included:
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: Finished with 18 points and an impressive six blocks, anchoring the Grizzlies’ defense.
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: Added 15 points and contributed to the closing free throws.
- Rookie Cedric Coward: Had a perfect shooting night, hitting all five of his field goal attempts and going 4-for-4 from the free-throw line for 14 points. This marked the first time a rookie with at least 10 points had a perfect shooting debut since Thabo Sefolosha in 2006, a rare feat detailed in historical NBA records like those found on Basketball-Reference.com.
For the Pelicans, aside from Williamson, other players stepped up offensively:
- Herbert Jones: Scored 17 points.
- Jordan Poole: Also contributed 17 points.
- Rookie Jeremiah Fears: The seventh pick in last summer’s draft, he made a strong debut with 17 points, showcasing his potential for the franchise.
Looking Ahead for Both Teams
The New Orleans Pelicans are hoping to reverse their fortunes after a disappointing 21-61 season last year, which saw them finish 14th in the Western Conference. Their strong first half in Memphis offers a glimpse of their potential, but their inability to close out the game remains a concern. The team will look to solidify their performance as they host the Spurs in their home opener on Friday night, a crucial early test.
The Memphis Grizzlies, despite their injury woes, proved their resilience and competitive fire. This season-opening victory, especially the dominant third-quarter rally, provides a significant morale boost for a team aiming to bounce back from last season’s playoff exit. They will aim to carry this momentum into their home opener on Friday night when they host the Heat.
This early matchup between two dynamic teams, featuring a thrilling comeback and the ongoing rivalry between two young stars, sets an exciting precedent for the NBA season. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how both the Grizzlies and Pelicans build on this inaugural performance.
