Saddiq Bey leads fourth-quarter comeback as Pelicans defeat Grizzlies 133-127

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Saddiq Bey scored 19 of his season-high 36 points in the fourth quarter and the New Orleans Pelicans erased a double-digit second-half deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 133-127 on Friday night.

Trey Murphy III scored 32 points for New Orleans, while Zion Williamson finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds as the Pelicans snapped a three-game losing streak.

Announcement

Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 26 points and 12 rebounds, while Jock Landale added 24 points and 11 rebounds. Cam Spencer had 21 for Memphis, shooting 7-of-9, including 4-of-6 from beyond the arc.

The Pelicans, who had lost six straight games to Memphis, trailed 123-122 after Jackson scored inside. But Williams scored on a three-point play and Bey added a 3-pointer to preserve New Orleans’ victory.

The Pelicans are anchored in last place in the Western Conference, while Memphis – which has lost five of seven – sits just outside of 10th place.

Memphis built a 13-point lead with sharp shooting in the third quarter, but New Orleans chipped away at the lead as Williamson used his size to get to the basket against a smaller Grizzlies defender in the fourth. Between Williamson and Bey, the Pelicans outscored the Grizzlies.

Announcement

Memphis played without guard Ja Morant, the subject of growing trade rumors. Morant, who played the final two games after a six-game absence, remained out with a left UCL elbow strain.

Memphis started the second half converting 12 of 16 shots, including all six 3-point attempts. This created the first double-digit lead of the game, and Memphis led 101-93 entering the final frame.

Memphis used 20 points from Jackson and 17 from Landale for a 65-60 lead at halftime.

Next

Pelicans: Continue a three-game road trip in San Antonio on Sunday

Grizzlies: Host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday.

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