That was a playoff game in all but name. The Memphis Grizzlies, fueled by a relentless defense and a few moments of individual brilliance, scraped past the New Orleans Pelicans 2-1 on a Tuesday night that felt more like late May than mid-March. You could feel the tension radiating off the court from the opening whistle. This wasn't just another regular season contest; it was a statement game for both sides vying for Western Conference positioning.
Real talk: the scoreline, 2-1, tells you everything you need to know about how tight this one was. Memphis took the first two rounds, 110-105 and 98-95, before the Pelicans finally snatched the third, 102-99. Every possession felt like a chess match. The difference? A few key defensive stops by the Grizzlies when it mattered most, particularly in that key second round.
Memphis' Defensive Masterclass
Look, the Grizzlies didn't shoot the lights out. Desmond Bane had an off-night from deep, going just 2-for-9 from beyond the arc in the first round. But their defense? That was the story. Jaren Jackson Jr. was an absolute menace inside, finishing with 5 blocks across the three rounds. He altered countless shots, making life miserable for Zion Williamson whenever he tried to drive to the basket. Jackson's presence allowed Memphis to play more aggressively on the perimeter, knowing they had a safety net behind them.
Coach Jenkins deserves credit for the defensive scheme. They consistently forced the Pelicans into tough, contested mid-range jumpers, especially Brandon Ingram. Ingram, usually so smooth, looked frustrated, often settling for fadeaway shots that clanked off the rim. He shot a combined 18-for-45 from the field over the first two rounds, well below his season average.
The turning point, without question, came in the dying minutes of the second round. With the Pelicans up 95-93 and 45 seconds left, Williamson drove hard to the rim. Jackson met him, absorbing the contact, and forced a tough shot that missed. Steven Adams then grabbed the crucial rebound, leading to a quick transition bucket for Ja Morant, tying the game. Morant then hit a contested step-back jumper with 3 seconds left to seal that round, giving Memphis a 2-0 lead in the series.
Pelicans' Late Push Falls Short
The Pelicans, to their credit, didn't roll over. After going down 2-0, they came out with renewed intensity in the third round. CJ McCollum, who had been relatively quiet, caught fire, hitting three consecutive three-pointers in the middle of the third round, sparking a 10-2 run that put New Orleans firmly in control. He finished that round with 28 points, his highest single-round output of the night.
Coach Green adjusted, too, opting for a smaller lineup with Larry Nance Jr. at center for extended stretches. This created more spacing and allowed Williamson more room to operate, leading to a few explosive dunks in the third round. Williamson ended the night with 32 points across the three rounds, but his impact felt somewhat muted by Jackson's defense in the crucial early stages.
Here's the thing: while the Pelicans showed resilience, their inability to close out the second round will sting. They had a golden opportunity to tie the series, and they let it slip. That's a mental hurdle they'll need to overcome if they want to make a deep playoff run. You simply can't let a team like Memphis off the hook when you have them on the ropes.
Morant's Clutch Performance, What It Means
Man of the match has to be Ja Morant. He wasn't perfect, but when the game was on the line in that second round, he delivered. His late-game heroics, including that tough jumper, demonstrated why he's considered one of the league's most clutch players. Morant finished the night with a combined 74 points, 18 assists, and 9 steals across the three rounds, showcasing his all-around impact.
This win is huge for the Grizzlies. It puts them a half-game ahead of the Pelicans for the 4th seed in the Western Conference standings, which means home-court advantage in a potential first-round matchup. That's a significant psychological boost, especially against a division rival. It reinforces their identity as a tough, defensive-minded team that can win ugly.
For the Pelicans, it's a missed opportunity. They proved they can hang with Memphis, but they couldn't get over the hump. They'll need to re-evaluate their late-game execution and find ways to generate easier offense when their stars are being stifled. Their upcoming schedule includes a tough road trip to Denver and then a home game against the Lakers, so they need to bounce back quickly.
As for the Grizzlies, they head home for a matchup against the struggling Houston Rockets, followed by a visit from the Dallas Mavericks. The momentum from this win should carry them, but they can't afford to get complacent. The Western Conference standings are too tight for that.
Bold Prediction:
The Grizzlies will finish as the 4th seed in the West, securing home court in the first round, and Morant will have at least two 40-point playoff games.