Grizzlies Edge Pelicans: Playoff Hopes and Hard Fouls

Grizzlies Survive Playoff-Intensity Battle in New Orleans

The Memphis Grizzlies emerged from the Smoothie King Center with a gritty 108-103 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on March 31, 2026, in a game that showcased everything that makes late-season Western Conference basketball must-watch television. With both teams jockeying for playoff positioning—Memphis sitting at 44-30 and New Orleans at 42-32 entering the contest—the intensity level resembled a postseason elimination game rather than a regular season matchup.

This wasn't basketball poetry. This was a physical, grinding affair that featured 52 combined fouls, multiple technical assessments, and the kind of defensive intensity that leaves both teams limping into their next game. The Grizzlies' victory extended their season series lead to 2-1 and, more importantly, provided crucial separation in the tightly-bunched Western Conference playoff race where just 3.5 games separate the fourth seed from the tenth.

Morant Delivers When It Matters Most

Ja Morant continues to cement his reputation as one of the league's most clutch performers, delivering a masterclass in fourth-quarter execution. His final stat line—34 points on 13-of-24 shooting, 11 assists, 6 rebounds, and just 2 turnovers—tells only part of the story. What the numbers don't capture is the sheer force of will Morant imposed on this game when Memphis needed it most.

Trailing 94-93 with 4:10 remaining in the fourth quarter, Morant took over. His back-to-back driving layups—the first tying the game at 94-94, the second giving Memphis a 95-94 lead they would never relinquish—showcased his elite ability to navigate traffic and finish through contact. On the first drive, Morant rejected a Desmond Bane screen, attacked Herb Jones off the dribble, and absorbed contact from both Jones and Zion Williamson before kissing the ball off the glass. The second possession featured a devastating hesitation move at the free-throw line that froze Jose Alvarado before Morant exploded to the rim.

What separates Morant from other high-usage guards is his decision-making under pressure. Despite the Pelicans sending aggressive traps and showing multiple defenders, Morant's assist-to-turnover ratio of 5.5-to-1 demonstrated remarkable poise. When New Orleans committed to stopping his drives, he found Bane for open threes. When they stayed home on shooters, he attacked the rim relentlessly, drawing 11 free throw attempts and converting 8.

Morant's fourth-quarter efficiency was particularly impressive: 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, 3 assists, and zero turnovers in the final frame. His plus-minus of +14 for the game reflected his overall impact beyond the scoring column.

Memphis' Defensive Identity Shines Through

While Morant's offensive heroics grabbed headlines, the Grizzlies' defensive performance in the fourth quarter ultimately decided this contest. Memphis held New Orleans to just 18 points in the final 12 minutes, a defensive rating of 90.0 that would rank first in the NBA over a full season. This wasn't accidental—it was the result of disciplined scheme execution and relentless effort.

Taylor Jenkins deployed a switching defense that forced the Pelicans into uncomfortable isolation situations. Jaren Jackson Jr., despite shooting just 6-of-16 from the field, was a defensive force with 4 blocks, 2 steals, and countless altered shots. His ability to switch onto smaller guards while protecting the rim against Williamson gave Memphis incredible versatility. Jackson's defensive rating of 98.4 for the game was the best among all starters.

The Grizzlies forced 4 turnovers in the final six minutes, converting them into 7 points during a crucial stretch. Their trap coverage on Pelicans pick-and-rolls disrupted New Orleans' offensive rhythm, forcing rushed decisions and contested shots. Memphis' defensive rebounding percentage of 78.3% in the fourth quarter eliminated second-chance opportunities that had kept New Orleans competitive earlier.

Desmond Bane's two-way performance deserves special recognition. His 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-8 from three-point range, provided crucial spacing. But his defensive assignment on Brandon Ingram in the fourth quarter—holding the Pelicans' leading scorer to just 4 points on 1-of-5 shooting in the final frame—was equally vital. Bane's combination of lateral quickness and physical strength allowed him to contest Ingram's mid-range game without fouling.

The Rebounding Battle: Memphis' Hidden Advantage

The final rebounding margin of 48-39 in Memphis' favor might seem like a footnote, but it was fundamental to the Grizzlies' victory. In a game decided by 5 points, those 9 extra possessions translated directly into additional scoring opportunities and reduced chances for New Orleans.

Steven Adams, the veteran center, was a monster on the glass with 13 rebounds (5 offensive, 8 defensive) in just 28 minutes. His offensive rebounding created 6 second-chance points for Memphis, and his physical presence deterred Pelicans guards from attacking the rim with their usual aggression. Adams' screen-setting also freed Morant for driving lanes, though this contribution doesn't appear in any box score.

The Grizzlies' offensive rebounding percentage of 31.8% was significantly above their season average of 27.2%, indicating a concerted effort to crash the glass. This aggressiveness paid dividends, particularly in the third quarter when Memphis grabbed 5 offensive rebounds that led to 8 points during their comeback run.

Memphis' bench outscored New Orleans' reserves 31-19, with Brandon Clarke contributing 11 points and 6 rebounds in 22 minutes. Clarke's energy and athleticism provided a spark when the starters needed rest, and his plus-minus of +11 was second-best on the team behind Morant.

New Orleans' Offensive Stagnation Down the Stretch

The Pelicans' inability to generate quality offense in the fourth quarter exposed some concerning trends. After building a 9-point lead midway through the third quarter (72-63), New Orleans managed just 31 points over the final 18 minutes of game action. Their offensive rating of 95.3 in the second half would rank 29th in the NBA over a full season.

Brandon Ingram's 28 points on 11-of-23 shooting represented a solid individual performance, but his 4-point fourth quarter highlighted the Pelicans' offensive stagnation when it mattered most. Willie Green's offensive scheme relied heavily on Ingram creating his own shot in isolation, and when Memphis switched Bane onto him with help defenders lurking, those opportunities dried up. Ingram's shot selection became increasingly difficult, with 6 of his 12 fourth-quarter field goal attempts coming from beyond 18 feet with a defender within 3 feet.

Zion Williamson's 21 points on 8-of-17 shooting represented a relatively quiet night by his standards. The Grizzlies employed a clear defensive strategy: send early help whenever Williamson caught the ball in the post, force him to make decisions as a passer, and live with the results. This approach limited Williamson to just 4 free throw attempts—well below his season average of 8.2—and forced him into 3 turnovers. His 6 assists showed he made the right reads, but the Pelicans' role players couldn't capitalize, shooting just 4-of-13 on shots created by Williamson passes.

The bench production disparity was glaring. New Orleans' reserves managed just 19 points on 7-of-21 shooting, with Jose Alvarado—typically a high-energy catalyst—limited to just 14 minutes and 2 points due to foul trouble. Alvarado picked up his third foul just 4 minutes into the second quarter, forcing Green to shelve him during crucial stretches. Without Alvarado's pressure defense and transition playmaking, the Pelicans' second unit lacked its usual punch.

Turnovers and Free Throws: The Margin of Victory

New Orleans committed 16 turnovers compared to Memphis' 11, a differential that directly contributed to the final outcome. Those 5 extra turnovers led to 9 additional points for the Grizzlies in transition, where Memphis scored 18 fast-break points compared to New Orleans' 11.

The Pelicans' turnover issues stemmed from Memphis' aggressive trapping and the resulting rushed decisions. CJ McCollum, who finished with 16 points and 5 assists, was charged with 4 turnovers—several coming on risky cross-court passes that Memphis defenders jumped. The Grizzlies' defensive scheme forced New Orleans into 8 live-ball turnovers, the type that lead to easy transition baskets and momentum swings.

Free throw shooting also played a decisive role. Memphis attempted 24 free throws and converted 20 (83.3%), while New Orleans shot just 16 free throws, making 13 (81.3%). The 8-attempt differential reflected Memphis' aggressive attacking style and the officials' willingness to call fouls on New Orleans' physical defense. Morant alone drew 11 free throw attempts, constantly putting pressure on the Pelicans' defense and forcing them into foul trouble.

Playoff Implications and the Road Ahead

This victory carries significant playoff implications for both franchises. Memphis improved to 45-30, solidifying their hold on the fifth seed and maintaining a 2-game cushion over the seventh-seeded Pelicans (42-33). With just 7 games remaining in the regular season, every win becomes exponentially more valuable in determining playoff seeding and potential first-round matchups.

For the Grizzlies, avoiding the play-in tournament remains the primary objective. The gap between the fourth seed (currently the Mavericks at 47-28) and the sixth seed (the Suns at 44-31) is razor-thin. Memphis' remaining schedule includes 4 home games and 3 road contests, with matchups against playoff-bound teams in 5 of those 7 games. Their ability to win close games—they're now 18-12 in games decided by 5 points or fewer—bodes well for the playoff pressure cooker.

New Orleans faces a more precarious situation. Sitting in seventh place, the Pelicans are just 1.5 games ahead of the ninth-seeded Lakers and 2 games ahead of the tenth-seeded Warriors. A slide down to the play-in tournament would force them to win two games just to reach the first round, a daunting prospect given their inconsistent play down the stretch. The Pelicans' 15-16 record in clutch games (score within 5 points in the final 5 minutes) suggests they struggle in high-pressure situations—exactly what the play-in tournament demands.

Tactical Adjustments and Coaching Decisions

Taylor Jenkins' decision to stick with his core rotation and trust his starters in crunch time paid dividends. His refusal to panic when New Orleans built their third-quarter lead demonstrated confidence in his team's ability to execute. The high pick-and-roll sets for Morant, combined with aggressive switching on defense, represented sound tactical choices that exploited New Orleans' weaknesses.

Willie Green's tactical approach, while effective for stretches, ultimately fell short. His decision to go small in the fourth quarter—pulling Jonas Valančiūnas for more versatile defenders—backfired as Memphis dominated the glass during crucial possessions. The Pelicans needed Valančiūnas' size and rebounding to prevent second-chance opportunities, and his absence was felt. Green's offensive scheme also became too predictable, relying on Ingram and Williamson isolation plays rather than generating movement and open looks through ball movement.

The physicality of this game—52 combined fouls, including 2 technical fouls and multiple hard closeouts—reflected the playoff-level intensity. Officials allowed considerable contact, particularly in the paint, which favored Memphis' more physical style. The Grizzlies' willingness to absorb contact and attack the rim consistently put New Orleans in foul trouble and disrupted their defensive rotations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How important was this win for Memphis' playoff seeding?

This victory was crucial for Memphis' playoff positioning. By improving to 45-30 and maintaining a 2-game lead over New Orleans in the standings, the Grizzlies strengthened their hold on the fifth seed and increased their chances of avoiding the play-in tournament. With only 7 games remaining, every win provides valuable cushion against the teams chasing them. Additionally, the head-to-head tiebreaker advantage (2-1 series lead) over New Orleans could prove decisive if the teams finish with identical records. Avoiding the play-in tournament means Memphis would secure a guaranteed playoff spot and have more time to rest and prepare for their first-round opponent.

What defensive adjustments did Memphis make to slow down Zion Williamson?

The Grizzlies employed a clear defensive strategy centered on early help defense and forcing Williamson to become a passer rather than a scorer. Whenever Williamson caught the ball in the post, Memphis sent immediate double teams from the weak side, typically from Jaren Jackson Jr. or the nearest perimeter defender. This forced Williamson to make quick decisions and limited his ability to establish deep post position where he's most dangerous. The Grizzlies also denied him easy catches near the basket, forcing him to receive passes further from the rim. This strategy reduced his free throw attempts to just 4 (well below his 8.2 season average) and limited his paint touches. While Williamson responded with 6 assists, the Pelicans' role players couldn't capitalize on the open looks he created, shooting just 4-of-13 on those opportunities.

Why did the Pelicans struggle so much offensively in the fourth quarter?

New Orleans' fourth-quarter offensive struggles stemmed from multiple factors. First, Memphis' switching defense disrupted the Pelicans' isolation-heavy offense, forcing difficult contested shots. Brandon Ingram, who scored 24 points through three quarters, managed just 4 in the fourth as Desmond Bane's physical defense and help-side rotations limited his space. Second, the Pelicans' offensive scheme became predictable, relying too heavily on Ingram and Williamson creating their own shots rather than generating movement and open looks through ball movement. Third, the bench production disappeared—Jose Alvarado's foul trouble limited his minutes, and the reserves couldn't provide any offensive spark. Finally, turnovers at critical moments (4 in the final six minutes) led to Memphis transition opportunities and prevented New Orleans from establishing any offensive rhythm. The Pelicans scored just 18 points in the fourth quarter, an offensive rating of 90.0 that simply isn't sustainable in close games.

How significant was the rebounding advantage for Memphis?

The Grizzlies' 48-39 rebounding advantage was fundamental to their victory, particularly in a game decided by just 5 points. Those 9 extra rebounds translated into additional possessions and scoring opportunities while limiting New Orleans' second-chance points. Steven Adams' 13 rebounds (including 5 offensive boards) created 6 second-chance points and extended possessions when Memphis needed them most. The offensive rebounding percentage of 31.8% was well above Memphis' season average, indicating a concerted effort to crash the glass. In close games, possessions are precious, and Memphis' rebounding dominance gave them more opportunities to score while reducing New Orleans' chances. The Grizzlies' 78.3% defensive rebounding percentage in the fourth quarter was particularly crucial, as it prevented the Pelicans from generating the second-chance opportunities that had kept them competitive earlier in the game.

What are the playoff implications for both teams moving forward?

For Memphis (45-30), this win strengthens their position in the fifth seed and keeps them in striking distance of the fourth seed while maintaining separation from the play-in tournament spots. With 7 games remaining, the Grizzlies control their destiny—winning 4 or 5 of those games should secure a top-six finish and avoid the play-in. Their ability to win close games (18-12 in games decided by 5 points or fewer) suggests they're built for playoff pressure. For New Orleans (42-33), the loss is more concerning. Sitting in seventh place, they're just 1.5 games ahead of the ninth seed and face the real possibility of falling into the play-in tournament. Their remaining schedule includes several difficult matchups, and their 15-16 record in clutch games indicates they struggle in high-pressure situations. If the Pelicans fall to the play-in, they'd need to win two games just to reach the first round—a challenging proposition given their inconsistent play. The head-to-head tiebreaker now favors Memphis 2-1, which could prove decisive if the teams finish with identical records.