Saddiq Bey and Derik Queen each scored 22 points, and Zion Williamson added 21 as the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 114-106 on Friday night at the Smoothie King Center.
Williamson recorded his fourth straight game with 20-plus points, while Herbert Jones contributed 16 points to help New Orleans improve to 13-37 on the season.
The Pelicans dominated the third quarter, outscoring Memphis 35-15 with five three-pointers, including three from Jose Alvarado, to take a 93-76 lead. Memphis struggled offensively, posting its second-lowest scoring quarter of the season.
Cam Spencer and Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 16 points each, while Cedric Coward added 13 and Jock Landale contributed 12. Memphis fell to 18-28 and remains without Ja Morant, who missed his fourth straight game with a sprained left elbow.
New Orleans held Memphis to 29% shooting from three-point range and forced 16 turnovers while hitting 24-of-42 from the paint. Bey and Queen combined for 44 points on efficient shooting, and the team’s bench added 31 points.
The Pelicans maintained control despite Memphis cutting the lead to single digits early in the fourth quarter, finishing the game by outscoring the visitors 21-18 over the final 8:17. New Orleans also outrebounded Memphis 42-30, with Towns’ absence allowing the frontcourt to secure critical boards.
New Orleans will visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday, while Memphis hosts the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second game of their back-to-back. The Pelicans’ victory snapped a three-game losing streak and showcased their ability to compete without major roster stars.
