Ja Morant puts on a show in his duel against Sion Williamson

In the duel of those who have a lot to prove this season, I Morant emerges victorious. With his 35 points (13/20 shooting), the playmaker led the Grizzlies to their first win of the year against the Pelicans. Zion Williamson no less inspired (27 points on 10/21 shooting).

Two men, among the most vital in the league, spent the evening attacking the basket in their respective styles: finesse for the former, power for the latter. The latter was able to return to the dressing room with a dose of optimism at the break, as his team took a comfortable lead (56-67).

The interior was supported by three players with 17 points, including new recruit Jordan Poole, in addition to Herb Jones and Jeremiah Fears. But their collective momentum stalled midway through the third quarter.

Leading by 10 points five minutes after the restart (68-78), the visitors endured a flood of skill from Ja Morant, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope – skilled mostly in this sequence – and Memphis’ interior. A four-minute sequence that allowed Memphis to regain the lead with a 9-point advantage (87-78), or… 19-0.

The locals managed to consolidate this lead for a while, before being caught behind. Two minutes from the end, everything was needed again (115-115).

Ja Morant then finished off the counter-attack, when Zion Williamson responded with a post. A board floater later from Ja Morant, Memphis looked in good position. But Sion continued to attack the circle and follow up on his misses to keep hope alive, until this throw-in in the stands sealed the match’s fate.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– Ja Morant’s holiday. After Zion Williamson lost a key layup with 6 seconds left, Ja Morant was served on the next possession and managed to fake Jeremy Fears, before pointing the finger at him. A gesture that was variously appreciated by the star opposite, while Ja Morant quietly smiled throughout the sequence.

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– Stunning third quarter by the Grizzlies. Well in place at the break, the Pelicans took a serious hit in the third quarter. The rebellion was started by the inevitable Ja Morant, with the help of his new friend from the “backyard”, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. So much so that after leading by 14 points in the period, the Grizzlies led by 9 points at the beginning of the last quarter. The result of the third quarter in favor of the home team was clear: 41-22.

– The wall of Memphis. Although the home defense still conceded 122 points, it still provided protection in the racket. Jordan Poole, Herb Jones or even Zion Williamson have crossed paths with the Memphis interior at least once while trying to attack the rim. The Grizzlies finished the game with 12 blocks, half of which came from leading slugger Jaren Jackson Jr.