After a particularly spectacular game, the Pelicans got the better of the Grizzlies at the Smoothie King Center. Led by CJ McCollum and his energizers from the bench, Willie Green’s band surfed on a super money time to snatch victory. (113-102)
For the home score box of this match, just click.
Zion Williamson injured, we are unfortunately deprived of the big duel with Ja Morant but never mind, there was enough show in this match to spend a dream night. What a sight, what a treat for the eyes. A well-connected meeting, rhythm, a winner who decides at the end, and above all a good dose of highlights to make us jump off the couch. If the NBA decides to do a 100% Top 10 on this game in the early morning, there won’t be much to complain about. The big posters of Trey Murphy and Larry Nance Jr. on Santi Aldama (the poor boy took two on the face), Ja Morant who scores from midfield or who changes hands in the open air to go dunk, the reverses of Brandon Ingram, the counters of a returning Jaren Jackson Jr., not to mention the heat shots of CJ McCollum. The very definition of a League Pass and TNT match should probably not regret having released it on the national airwaves.
Pelicans side? No Zion, we said it before, but several boys who did the job starting with Cidjé therefore, author of 30 points and 9 assists but who is especially imperial in the second half with an avalanche of award-winning shots on the way back from the locker room. At his side, Brandon Ingram makes a decent match but we especially remember the X factors Larry Nance Jr. and Jose Alvarado to cement a big collective in New Orleans. In relay of a Jonas Valanciunas next to his pumps, the former Laker did a lot of good to his people on both sides of the field while the substitute leader of the Pels brought his usual overactivity with defense, a good reading of the game and legs of fire in attack. In the wake of these three men, NOLA signs a controlled money time, started with a 15-4 to put the Grizzlies far behind. Despite a Ja Morant who sounds the charge, Memphis will not manage to pick up the score and logically bows in Louisiana.
On the Memphis side, we really felt the absence of Desmond Bane, that is to say of a lieutenant worthy of the name to support Ja Morant, once again excellent (36 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists) but too isolated to be able to bring victory to his side. The minutes without the leader were very long for Taylor Jenkins. Brandon Clarke had started well before falling into line while Dillon Brooks and Jaren Jackson Jr. unscrewed on the shoot (with 2/16 from 3-point in particular). The interior will at least have consoled itself with its 5 counterattacks and a good defensive impact for its first minutes in months. For his first victory, we will have to wait a little longer.
The Pelicans delivered a big game to fend off Ja Morant and Memphis. 2nd victory in a row for NOLA, who will seek to confirm tomorrow against the Bulls. The Oursons will try to forget this defeat Friday at home against the Thunder.