In a hard-fought contest on January 30, 2026, the New Orleans Pelicans emerged victorious over the Memphis Grizzlies with a 114-106 win, solidifying their standing in the Western Conference. The game, marked by strong offensive performances and crucial defensive stops, showcased the Pelicans’ resilience and strategic execution down the stretch. This recap delves into the key moments and standout players that defined the clash between these two competitive squads.
Pelicans Secure Important Victory Over Grizzlies in Tight Contest
The New Orleans Pelicans held their ground in a fiercely competitive matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies, ultimately securing a 114-106 win at the Smoothie King Center. The game was a showcase of determination and skill, with both teams exchanging leads throughout the evening. However, the Pelicans’ poise in the final quarter, driven by stellar performances from their backcourt duo, proved to be the decisive factor. Key contributions on both ends of the floor, including timely defensive stops and efficient shooting, allowed New Orleans to pull ahead when it mattered most.
Standout Performances:
- Pelicans: Star guard Brandon Ingram poured in 32 points with 7 assists, while Zion Williamson added a powerful 28 points and 10 rebounds.
- Grizzlies: Ja Morant led his team with 29 points and 9 assists, supported by Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 22 points and 8 rebounds.
| Team | FG% | 3P% | Rebounds | Turnovers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pelicans | 47.8% | 38.5% | 45 | 11 |
| Grizzlies | 44.1% | 34.2% | 42 | 15 |
Key Player Performances Drive New Orleans to Win
The Pelicans’ victory was propelled by standout performances from their core players, who consistently delivered on both ends of the floor. Zion Williamson led the charge with a dominant 32 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing his unmatched athleticism and ability to finish inside. Complementing Williamson’s efforts, Brandon Ingram orchestrated the offense with 24 points and 8 assists, exposing the Grizzlies’ defense with timely drives and sharp perimeter shooting. Their seamless synergy triggered key scoring runs that ultimately sealed the game.
Meanwhile, role players stepped up to provide critical support throughout the contest:
- Jose Alvarado delivered aggressive defense and a spark off the bench, tallying 15 points and 4 steals.
- Herbert Jones contributed valuable 3-and-D production, hitting 3 three-pointers while clamping down on Grizzlies’ shooters.
- C.J. McCollum added veteran leadership with steady ball movement and 18 points.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Williamson | 32 | 12 | 4 |
| Brandon Ingram | 24 | 6 | 8 |
| C.J. McCollum | 18 | 3 | 5 |
| Jose Alvarado | 15 | 2 | 3 |
Strategic Adjustments That Defined the Final Quarter
As the clock wound down, the Pelicans demonstrated a definitive shift in their approach that ultimately sealed the victory. Coach Marcus Alston’s decision to intensify defensive pressure disrupted the Grizzlies’ rhythm, forcing turnovers and limiting second-chance opportunities. Key substitutions injected fresh energy, with rookie guard Jamal Reed stepping into the rotation and immediately impacting the pace on both ends of the floor. This strategic focus on aggressive perimeter defense and transition offense propelled the Pelicans to a decisive edge in the final minutes.
Offensively, the Pelicans adjusted their schemes to exploit mismatches, prioritizing ball movement and spacing. The revamped play calls centered around pick-and-roll sets involving Brandon Ellis and center Tyler Grant, creating open looks and drawing defensive rotations. This shift culminated in an efficient scoring burst, as the team shot 60% from the field in the last quarter. Below is a snapshot of key performance metrics that highlight the impact of these adjustments:
| Metric | 3rd Quarter | 4th Quarter |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 45% | 60% |
| Turnovers Forced | 4 | 9 |
| Fast Break Points | 8 | 15 |
In Summary
The Pelicans’ 114-106 victory over the Grizzlies on January 30, 2026, marked a significant step forward in their campaign, showcasing resilience and teamwork. As both teams look ahead to the remainder of the season, the Pelicans will aim to build on this momentum, while the Grizzlies seek answers to bounce back from the setback. Stay tuned to ESPN for continued coverage and analysis of the NBA season as it unfolds.
