Memphis Grizzlies: New Orleans Pelicans end 6-0 start in overtime
Zion Williamson scored 25 points as New Orleans defeated the league's final undefeated team 135-134.
By Rafael Delgado ·
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 135-134 in overtime on Monday night at FedExForum. The result marked the first loss for Memphis this season.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 25 points, including nine in the extra period. Jeremiah Fears secured the victory by sinking two free throws with 7.3 seconds remaining. Ty Jerome scored 40 points for Memphis, but his 15-foot shot at the final buzzer missed.
Karlo Matkovic matched Williamson with a career-high 25 points for New Orleans. Derik Queen added 20 points. Cameron Boozer finished with 18 points for the Grizzlies, while Jaylen Wells contributed 16.
Jerome drove the game to overtime by scoring nine consecutive points in the final 1 minute and 43 seconds of regulation. His run tied the score at 124. The Pelicans entered the fourth quarter leading 100-95, a third-quarter deficit that occurred only once before this season.
The Grizzlies had entered the game with a 6-0 record, the best start in franchise history. The loss ended a six-game winning streak. New Orleans is now 3-4.
The Pelicans played without starting guard Dejounte Murray, who missed his third game for personal reasons. Yves Missi and Jordan Poole were also absent due to injury. Memphis had outscored opponents by an average of eight points in the second half prior to this game.
After the final horn, players from both teams gathered at midcourt in a shouting match. Officials separated the groups as members of both squads continued to yell at one another. The Pelicans will play the Utah Jazz at the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
