A relentless second-half push led by Jaren Jackson Jr., Jaylen Wells, and Zach Edey powered the Memphis Grizzlies past the New Orleans Pelicans 133-128 in overtime—a result that transforms their NBA Cup campaign and hints at a blueprint for sustained contention.
The Anatomy of a Grizzlies Comeback: Inside the Overtime Epic
The Memphis Grizzlies emerged from a 17-point first-half deficit to steal a 133-128 overtime victory from the New Orleans Pelicans on November 26, 2025. Led by Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 27 points and the clutch playmaking of Jaylen Wells (25 points), Memphis overcame lengthy stretches where they trailed, testifying to their grit and evolving identity.
Towering rookie Zach Edey supplied a double-double—21 points and 15 rebounds. His on-court presence proved crucial: the Grizzlies outscored the Pelicans by 39 during Edey’s 35 minutes, underlining his impact at both ends in one of the season’s most memorable NBA Cup contests.
Turning Points: Clutch Execution and Defensive Resilience
With the game tied at 128 in overtime—thanks to Jose Alvarado’s sixth three-pointer—Jackson delivered a pinpoint pass over the top of New Orleans’ defense, finding Wells for a go-ahead dunk. Down the stretch, Memphis capitalized on Pelicans miscues: Zion Williamson turned the ball over on a crucial possession and missed a contested three, while Alvarado’s inbounds lob failed to reach its target in the final seconds.
The end of regulation saw Williamson muscle in an acrobatic scoop layup with just 0.9 seconds, forcing OT. But what Memphis showed in overtime was a defensive focus and poise under pressure that had been missing earlier in their season.
What This Win Means for Memphis: A New Blueprint for Contention
At 2-1 in West Group B, Memphis is now firmly in the NBA Cup mix. The performances of Jackson, Wells, and especially Edey hint at a new axis for their future—a trio that combines length, shooting, and toughness. Edey’s statistical impact was staggering: not only did he post a 21-point, 15-rebound, two-block line, but Memphis dominated when he was on the floor, holding a +39 margin.
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: His evolution as a closer shines—27 points and a critical game-winning assist.
- Jaylen Wells: Two pivotal third-quarter threes jumpstarted Memphis’s rally; his poise punctuated the game’s final moments.
- Zach Edey: Transformed the paint on both ends, erasing the Pelicans’ interior advantage for long stretches.
The Grizzlies’ ability to respond when down big, adapt defensively, and finish in the clutch will fuel playoff speculation—and drive fan excitement heading into their showdown with the Clippers.
Pelicans’ Perspective: More Questions Than Answers
For New Orleans, a win would have provided a much-needed statement. They led for most of regulation, with Alvarado’s blitz off the bench (four first-half threes, 18 points in 12 minutes) and solid outings from Saddiq Bey (18 points, 10 rebounds) and Zion Williamson (17 points). But costly errors and late execution woes consigned them to an 0-4 NBA Cup finish, leaving coach and fans alike searching for answers as the team prepares for Golden State.
Broader Implications: The NBA Cup’s Growing Stakes and the Fan Conversation
This result reverberates well beyond the night. With both teams fighting for playoff relevance, every group-stage victory takes on added weight in the in-season tournament’s new format. For Memphis, the win could serve as a launchpad for a second-half surge—especially with Edey’s emergence altering the team’s trajectory.
Among Grizzlies fans, speculation will soar: Is Edey ready for a bigger role? Can Jackson-Wells-Edey become one of the NBA’s most dynamic frontcourt trios? Will this March-like intensity become a fixture in Memphis’s culture, or was this performance a product of desperation after recent letdowns?
Meanwhile, Pelicans supporters are left to debate late-game usage, rotation decisions, and whether Zion’s turnovers signal a deeper problem or simply reflect a high-variance, pressure-packed finish.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams
- Memphis Grizzlies: Face the LA Clippers next in a matchup that could cement their place in NBA Cup contention and build vital postseason momentum.
- New Orleans Pelicans: Head to Golden State, confronting a tough Warriors squad and seeking to halt a disappointing Cup campaign.
Both squads face turning points in their seasons. The Grizzlies, boosted by this emotional overtime win, must show they can maintain this level against elite opposition, while the Pelicans need to regroup and address closing-time breakdowns before their confidence fades.
For the fastest and deepest breakdowns of every pivotal moment in the NBA Cup and beyond, make onlytrustedinfo.com your daily destination for expert-driven sports analysis.
