Zion Williamson scores nine in OT to snap Grizzlies' win streak
New Orleans edged Memphis 135-134 in overtime, ending the league's final unbeaten team's perfect season with a balanced team effort.
By Lauren Foster ·
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson scored the first nine points of overtime to secure a 135-134 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies at FedEx Forum. The win ended Memphis's undefeated start to the season, dropping their record to 6-1. It marked the third consecutive win for New Orleans, improving their record to 3-4.
The Pelicans have not lost since head coach Jamahl Mosley shifted the starting lineup to include Jeremiah Fears, Trey Murphy, Williamson, Karlo Matkovic, and Herb Jones. Dejounte Murray, who started the first four games, missed his third straight contest for personal reasons. He missed the Thursday game against the Sacramento Kings for the birth of his son and attended the Saturday game against the Atlanta Hawks before the team granted him additional rest.
Matkovic contributed 25 points, a career high that surpasses his previous rookie season record of 19. He shot 5-for-8 from beyond the arc. Queen and Bey added 20 and 18 points respectively from the bench. Fears finished with 12 points and seven assists, while Murphy added 18 points.
New Orleans held a 124-115 lead with 2:26 remaining in regulation after Matkovic hit his fifth three-pointer of the night. The Pelicans did not score again in the final frame. Williamson broke the scoring drought with a three-point play with 3:36 left in overtime. Fears then sank two free throws with 7.3 seconds remaining to seal the result.
Memphis guard Ty Jerome poured in 40 points, leading the Grizzlies. Murphy guarded Jerome on the final defensive stop of the game, contesting a jumper that missed. Mosley credited the team's ability to stay poised in close moments, noting that the group has learned from past overtime losses.
The Pelicans committed only eight turnovers during the game. Williamson recorded his first double-double of the season with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. He attributed the victory to the trust his teammates and coaches placed in him during critical moments.
New Orleans hosts the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. The Jazz defeated the Pelicans 120-119 in Salt Lake City in the second game of the season.
