NBA: Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies ground Pelicans
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) handles the ball against New Orleans Pelicans center Daniel Theis (10) in the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
MEMPHIS, Tennessee — Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 15 of his 29 points in the third quarter, Desmond Bane had 20 points and 14 assists and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the New Orleans Pelicans 139-126 on Friday night in the NBA.
Luke Kennard added 27 points, making 7 of 9 3-pointers and 10 of 14 overall shots from the field, to help Memphis win its fifth straight.
Dejounte Murray led the Pelicans with 26 points. Trey Murphy III and CJ McCollum each had 22, and Jordan Hawkins added 20.
READ: NBA: Grizzlies handle Hornets for fourth consecutive win
TRIO LEAD GRIZZ 🐻🐻🐻
JJJ: 29 PTS, 5 3PM, 5 REB, 7 AST
Kennard: 27 PTS, 7-9 3PM, 6 AST
Bane: 20 PTS, 14 AST5th-straight W for the 30-15 @memgrizz 📈 pic.twitter.com/2OfAKW2ZE3
— NBA (@NBA) January 25, 2025
The Pelicans relied heavily on their backcourt for a 71-62 halftime lead, with Murray scoring 17 points and McCollum adding 15.
The game had the potential of highlighting the top two picks in the 2019 NBA draft — Zion Williamson, the No. 1 pick for the Pelicans, and Ja Morant, picked second by the Grizzlies. However, neither was available with Williamson still ramping up conditioning, and Morant recovering from an illness.
Takeaways
Pelicans: New Orleans’ backcourt of Murray and McCollum shot well in the first half to help the Pelicans take the lead, but they could not hold on in the second half.
Grizzlies: Memphis outscored New Orleans 77-55 in the second half.
READ: NBA: Grizzlies pull ahead late to top Timberwolves
Key moment
New Orleans pulled within six points early in the fourth, but Memphis went on a 15-5 run to grab its largest lead of the game at that point with 5:25 left.
Key stat
Kennard has made 14 of 20 3-pointers over his last two games.
Up next
Both teams play the second night of back-to-backs Saturday. New Orleans is at Charlotte, and Memphis hosts Utah.
