Ja Morant Leads Grizzlies to Season-Opening Victory Over Pelicans

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Ja Morant scored 35 points, including a critical basket with 32.9 seconds left, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a 128-122 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night. This marked the season opener for both teams.

Morant’s final basket pushed the Grizzlies ahead 122-118, and he secured the win with free throws in the last moments of the game. Jaren Jackson also contributed significantly, finishing with 18 points and six blocks, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 15 points. Rookie Kenneth Lofton Jr. made an impressive debut, shooting 100% from the field for 14 points.

The Pelicans’ Brandon Ingram led his team with 27 points, along with 9 rebounds, 5 steals, and 5 assists. Zion Williamson and rookie Amen Thompson, the seventh pick in last summer’s draft, both scored 17 points. The game was particularly notable as it featured the top two picks from the 2019 NBA Draft — Williamson and Morant.

New Orleans took an early lead, ending the first half at 67-56. However, Memphis mounted a comeback in the third quarter, outscoring the Pelicans 41-22 and heading into the final period with a 97-89 advantage.

Next, the Pelicans will host the San Antonio Spurs in their home opener on Friday night. The Grizzlies will also play at home against the Miami Heat the same evening.