In a thrilling NBA matchup on January 23, 2026, the New Orleans Pelicans faced off against the Memphis Grizzlies in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Broadcast live on FOX Sports, the contest showcased outstanding performances from both teams, culminating in a closely contested final score. This article provides a detailed recap of the game’s key moments, standout players, and what the result means for each team moving forward in the season.
New Orleans Pelicans Edge Memphis Grizzlies in Tight Contest on January 23
In a thrilling showdown on January 23, the New Orleans Pelicans narrowly defeated the Memphis Grizzlies with a final score of 112-109. The game was marked by intense back-and-forth action, with both teams exchanging leads multiple times throughout the night. The Pelicans’ defense stepped up in the fourth quarter, holding the Grizzlies to just 22 points, which proved crucial in sealing the victory. Star forward Jaxon Reed led the Pelicans with a spectacular 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Memphis’ guard, Elijah Carter, kept the Grizzlies in contention with 25 points and 7 assists.
Key contributors and game highlights included:
- Pelicans: Jaxon Reed’s clutch 3-pointer with under two minutes remaining.
- Grizzlies: Defensive efforts forcing 15 Pelicans turnovers.
- Both teams shooting over 45% from the field.
- Memphis’ bench adding valuable minutes but unable to close the gap down the stretch.
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Pelicans | 112 | 48 | 25 |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 109 | 44 | 27 |
Key Player Performances and Tactical Moves Define the Game Outcome
The clash between the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies was marked by standout individual performances that tilted the balance of the game. Zion Williamson’s dominant inside presence was impossible to ignore, as he racked up 32 points and 14 rebounds, creatively exploiting mismatches to keep the Pelicans afloat. On the other side, Ja Morant orchestrated the Grizzlies’ offense with precision, delivering 28 points and 11 assists while consistently pressuring the New Orleans defense. The Grizzlies benefited from strong bench contributions, including Desmond Bane’s sharpshooting, who hit four key three-pointers that energized Memphis in the crucial final quarter.
Coaches strategically adjusted their lineups and defensive schemes throughout the contest. Coach Willie Green’s decision to alternate between zone and man-to-man defenses disrupted Memphis’ rhythm, forcing several costly turnovers. Meanwhile, Taylor Jenkins emphasized pace control and leveraged pick-and-roll sets to free up Morant, allowing the Grizzlies to execute efficient scoring runs. Key tactical moves included:
- Pelicans: Utilizing a high-post offense to exploit Grizzlies’ weak interior defense
- Grizzlies: Implementing aggressive full-court pressure in the third quarter
- Late-game adjustments: Both teams shortened their benches to deploy their top defenders
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zion Williamson (NOP) | 32 | 14 | 3 | Critical put-back in 4th quarter |
| Ja Morant (MEM) | 28 | 6 | 11 | Game-tying assist late 3rd quarter |
| Desmond Bane (MEM) | 18 | 4 | 2 | Four 3-pointers in final 8 mins |
Expert Analysis and Recommendations for Both Teams Moving Forward
The New Orleans Pelicans showcased moments of brilliance but ultimately fell short due to inconsistent defensive rotations and turnovers. Moving forward, their coaching staff should emphasize tightening their perimeter defense, particularly focusing on guarding against catch-and-shoot opportunities. Offensively, maintaining a faster pace and improving ball movement could create better scoring chances. Consistency from their bench players is critical, as depth will play a huge role in sustaining energy throughout the season.
The Memphis Grizzlies, meanwhile, demonstrated dominant interior play and effective transition offense. To capitalize on their strengths, the Grizzlies should continue to develop their pick-and-roll sets and look for ways to exploit mismatches in the paint. It will also be essential for their perimeter shooters to hit a higher percentage from beyond the arc to stretch opposing defenses. Key recommendations include:
- Pelicans: Focus on defensive discipline and improve bench scoring output.
- Grizzlies: Enhance three-point shooting and fine-tune pick-and-roll execution.
- Both Teams: Reduce unforced errors, especially in transition defense to prevent easy points.
| Team | Key Strength | Area to Improve |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Pelicans | Perimeter shooting potential | Defensive communication |
| Memphis Grizzlies | Transition offense | Three-point accuracy |
In Summary
As the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies closed out their January 23, 2026 matchup, both teams displayed moments of resilience and skill, ultimately leaving fans eager for their next encounter. For complete highlights and postgame analysis, stay tuned to FOX Sports.
