In a season that has been defined by narrow misses and frustrating stretches, the New Orleans Pelicans finally found their closer on Friday night. Saddiq Bey delivered a performance for the ages, exploding for a season-high 36 points to lead the Pelicans to a gritty 133-127 comeback victory over the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum.
Saddiq Bey Dominates the Fourth Quarter
The story of the night was undoubtedly the fourth-quarter brilliance of Saddiq Bey. With the Pelicans trailing and looking for a spark, Bey took over the game in a way few players have this season for New Orleans. He scored 19 of his 36 points in the final frame alone, outperforming the entire Grizzlies roster during critical stretches of the closing period.
Bey’s season-high scoring effort was a masterclass in efficiency and aggression. Whether it was finding his rhythm from beyond the arc or attacking the rim against a depleted Memphis frontcourt, the veteran forward refused to let the game slip away. His ability to create his own shot and finish under pressure provided the New Orleans Pelicans with the offensive engine they have desperately lacked during their recent skids.
Erasing the Double-Digit Deficit
The road to victory was far from smooth for the visitors. The Grizzlies, despite missing several key starters, managed to build a double-digit lead in the second half. Memphis utilized a balanced scoring attack to keep the Pelicans at arm's length for much of the third quarter, threatening to sweep the season series after winning the first two matchups between these Southwest Division rivals.
However, the Pelicans showed a level of resilience that has been rare during their 10-36 start to the season. New Orleans began chipping away at the lead late in the third quarter, setting the stage for Bey’s heroics. By tightening their defensive rotations and capitalizing on Memphis turnovers, the Pelicans were able to turn a double-digit deficit into a late-game surge that silenced the home crowd.
Depleted Grizzlies Struggle to Close
While the New Orleans Pelicans deserve credit for their execution, the Memphis Grizzlies were clearly feeling the effects of a mounting injury list. Memphis took the floor without superstar guard Ja Morant, who was sidelined with an elbow injury, and standout rookie center Zach Edey, out with an ankle sprain. The absence of Morant’s late-game playmaking and Edey’s interior presence became glaringly obvious as the Pelicans mounted their charge.
Despite the losses, Memphis remained competitive behind the efforts of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jaylen Wells. Jackson Jr. continued his strong play against New Orleans, but without Morant to facilitate the offense in the closing minutes, the Grizzlies struggled to match Bey’s scoring output. The loss drops Memphis further into the middle of the Western Conference standings as they wait for their core stars to return to health.
What This Win Means for the Pelicans
For New Orleans, this win is more than just a single notch in the win column; it is a morale booster for a team that has faced significant adversity. Before Friday's tip-off, the Pelicans had lost 14 of their last 16 games. Snapping a three-game losing streak against a divisional opponent provides a much-needed breath of fresh air as the team embarks on a three-game road trip.
The performance also highlights the growing chemistry between the Pelicans' current starting unit. With Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III drawing significant defensive attention, Bey’s emergence as a primary scoring threat could change the dynamic of the New Orleans offense moving forward. If Bey can maintain even a fraction of this efficiency, the Pelicans may finally have the secondary scoring punch needed to climb out of the Western Conference cellar.
Key Game Statistics
- Saddiq Bey: 36 points (Season-high), 19 points in the 4th quarter
- Final Score: Pelicans 133, Grizzlies 127
- Lead Change: Pelicans erased a double-digit second-half deficit
- Season Series: Grizzlies lead 2-1
The New Orleans Pelicans will look to carry this momentum into Sunday as they head to San Antonio to face the Spurs, while the Grizzlies will attempt to regroup before their next home contest.
Sources & Original Reporting
