Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego highlighted Saddiq Bey’s standout performance in Friday’s 133-127 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, saying, “He’s been fantastic for us. Stepped up big in moments like these and… he wants to win. He’s a winner at his core.”
Borrego also praised Jeremiah Fears for his defensive impact despite limited offensive production: “His defense to me is what’s standing out… on the ball, his aggression, turning guys full court, creating disruption, turnovers, activity… he’s chasing down rebounds and loose balls and then keeping us organized.”
When asked about slowing Memphis’ big men, Borrego said, “Our group just decided to guard. There was a physicality about us, an energy about us… Queen was big down the stretch. Z had some big defensive possessions, rebounds, steals, activity. It’s going to take physicality, aggression, and activity for us to guard. Multiple efforts.”
Offensively, Borrego emphasized ball movement and unselfish play: “I think the ball movement, the sharing of it, finding quality shots… this was not an ISO heavy game for us… The group tonight… finished with almost 30 assists. That’s the goal every night. This group is unselfish and I think we saw that.”
The Pelicans trailed by as many as 13 in the third quarter but were fueled by Bey’s 36 points, including 19 in the fourth, and Zion Williamson’s 24 points with 11 rebounds. Trey Murphy III added 32 points as New Orleans snapped a three-game losing streak.
Memphis was paced by Jaren Jackson Jr., who posted 26 points and 12 rebounds, and Jock Landale with 24 points and 11 boards. Cam Spencer scored 21 points on 7-of-9 shooting, but the Grizzlies could not hold their lead late.
New Orleans shot 46% from the field and 36% from three, while Memphis converted 49% overall and 38% from deep. The Pelicans improved to 11-36, remaining last in the Western Conference, while Memphis fell to 18-25, just outside the 10th playoff position.
New Orleans will continue its road trip at San Antonio on Sunday, and Memphis hosts the Denver Nuggets the same day.
