The Memphis Grizzlies delivered a commanding road performance on Friday night, overwhelming the New Orleans Pelicans in a 142-111 victory. Memphis maintained complete control from start to finish, piling up points in transition and suffocating New Orleans defensively to secure a 31-point margin. The visiting squad dictated the tempo from the opening tip, executing with relentless efficiency despite missing multiple key rotation contributors.

Jerami Grant spearheaded the Grizzlies' attack, setting the tone with 22 points, one rebound, and one assist in a sharp shooting display. Forward Taylor Hendricks dominated the interior, anchoring Memphis on the glass with a double-double featuring 10 points, 12 rebounds, and two assists. Their combined efforts allowed Memphis to withstand a valiant 30-point, 10-rebound showing from Pelicans forward Saddiq Bey, as well as 22 points, five rebounds, and four assists from Zion Williamson.

The decisive moment

The decisive stretch arrived when the Grizzlies capitalized on defensive stops to ignite a devastating transition attack, turning an early contest into a runaway rout. Memphis dismantled the New Orleans defense with crisp ball movement and timely perimeter shot-making, steadily expanding their cushion well past twenty points. That sustained surge took all the energy out of the home crowd and ensured the 31-point differential was never truly threatened down the stretch.

By the numbers

  • 142: Points scored by the Memphis Grizzlies, representing one of their most prolific scoring nights of the year.
  • 31: Margin of victory for Memphis in an emphatic road statement.
  • 30: Points scored by New Orleans forward Saddiq Bey, who added 10 rebounds for a double-double.
  • 22: Points scored by Memphis forward Jerami Grant to guide the visiting offense.
  • 22: Points, five rebounds, and four assists recorded by Zion Williamson for New Orleans.
  • 12: Rebounds secured by Taylor Hendricks to lead Memphis on the glass alongside his 10 points.

The statistical disparity underlined how effectively Memphis distributed scoring duties and shared the basketball. Even with Scotty Pippen Jr., Richie Saunders, and Quinten Post all sidelined with injuries, the Grizzlies demonstrated exceptional depth and discipline throughout all four quarters.

What it means

This blowout victory reinforces the dynamic offensive ceiling Memphis can reach during the 2026-27 NBA Regular Season when their primary options find their rhythm early. Overcoming key absences without missing a step provides a massive confidence boost for the bench unit and solidifies team identity.

For New Orleans, surrendering 142 points exposes significant defensive vulnerabilities and transition breakdowns that must be addressed immediately. While Saddiq Bey and Zion Williamson generated steady offense, the Pelicans could not string together enough stops to halt the Grizzlies' high-powered attack.

What to watch next

Memphis will look to carry this offensive explosion forward as they continue their road journey and work toward getting their injured players back on the court. Meanwhile, New Orleans faces an urgent need to tighten up perimeter containment and interior help defense before their next assignment.

New Orleans Pelicans shot chart: every field-goal attempt by court location, final NOP 111, MEM 142
Grizzlies 142, Pelicans 111 (Nov. 13, at home). Saddiq Bey led the Pelicans with 30 points on 11-of-20 shooting. The Pelicans shot 36-of-87 (41.4%) and 7-of-31 from 3. Every Pelicans field-goal attempt, by location: Graphic: wire.report
Memphis Grizzlies shot chart: every field-goal attempt by court location, final MEM 142, NOP 111
Grizzlies 142, Pelicans 111 (Nov. 13, on the road). Jerami Grant led the Grizzlies with 22 points on 7-of-10 shooting. The Grizzlies shot 44-of-91 (48.4%) and 18-of-45 from 3. Every Grizzlies field-goal attempt, by location: Graphic: wire.report