The New Orleans Pelicans fell short in their attempt to extend their four-game winning streak into five games on Friday night, losing on the road 139-126 to the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite a dominant first half, the Pels couldn’t maintain their momentum after the break, falling to Memphis for the third time this season, with all three losses coming by double-digits.
The Pelicans overcame an early deficit and built a 71-62 halftime lead behind impressive performances from Dejounte Murray, CJ McCollum, and Jordan Hawkins. The trio combined for 47 first-half points as New Orleans shot 56% from the field, capped off by a 15-2 run to close the second quarter. Murray scored 17 points before halftime, with McCollum adding 15 and Hawkins chipping in 15 of his own during the second quarter.
However, the Pelicans seemed to leave their offense in the locker room at the break. Memphis came out firing in the third quarter, hitting their first 14 shots from the field and outscoring New Orleans 43-29 in the period. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the charge with 15 of his 29 points coming in the quarter, while Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard took full advantage of soft defensive coverage by the Pelicans. Kennard was on fire from beyond the arc, sinking seven three-pointers on his way to a season-high 27 points.
Memphis kept it going in the fourth. Early in the period, the Pelicans pulled within six points, but the Grizzlies quickly responded with a 15-5 spurt that pushed their lead to double digits. The Pelicans had no answer for Memphis’ offensive firepower, allowing 77 second-half points—a season high for points allowed in a half.
The Pelicans were dominated inside, allowing 66 points in the paint to the Grizzlies. Memphis also collected 16 offensive rebounds.
“It was a tale of two halves,” said Pelicans coach Willie Green. “We started off the game really good—solid on both ends, forcing them to take contested shots. The second half was totally different. They came out as the aggressors, and we could never get back into a rhythm.”
The loss marked New Orleans’ seventh consecutive loss when they’ve had the opportunity to win five straight games. The Pelicans haven’t achieved that milestone since March 2023.
Murray led the Pelicans with 26 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. McCollum and Trey Murphy III each added 22 points, while Hawkins finished with 20. Despite the strong offensive production, the Pelicans couldn’t overcome their second-half defensive lapses.
The Pelicans will attempt to bounce back Saturday night in Charlotte against the Hornets, where Zion Williamson is expected to return after sitting out the last few games with illness.
For New Orleans, the loss was a reminder of the work still needed to secure a consistent level of play. As Green noted, “We have to be consistent for four quarters.”
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