Grizzlies Get Ja Morant Going In 141-114 Blowout Over Pelicans
Memphis' star Ja Morant returned to action, and New Orleans barely made it interesting as the Pelicans fell 141-114 to the Grizzlies.
Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson watched from the sidelines as the Pelicans lost the season series to the Grizzlies. New Orleans could not hit an outside shot and keep pace with Memphis, which equated to a second consecutive blowout. During and after the contest, Coach Green was lost for answers.
Apr 9, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Willie Green watches the second half of a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
Green said, "We have to do better. We have to be better. Our guys know that. This is not typically us, but tonight, we just had a letdown."
Defeating Memphis was going to be up to CJ McCollum and Jonas Valancuinas. Valanicuinas had perhaps the best matchup for New Orleans to exploit, but the center committed five fouls in his first six minutes.
Green was adamant afterward, "He can't pick up those fouls. We need him on the floor."
Without Valancuinas, the Grizzlies shifted their attention to McCollum.
Apr 9, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) shoots the ball while being guarded by New Orleans Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
Green explained, "They did a good job being physical with him, trying to deny him the ball. Any time he was in ball screens he had two or three people focused on him. As a group, we just have to continue to trust. It was a tough night. It was a tough night for CJ, a tough night for me, and for our group. We got to be better."
The Pelicans made a single three-pointer (1/15) in the first half and missed two dozen three-pointers (6/30) the entire game. The more they rushed shots that did not fall, the more New Orleans fell behind. There was only so much New Orleans could overcome this season, especially when Memphis was not making mistakes.
In fact, the Grizzlies were making history. Memphis had a 55-point third quarter that effectively ended the game. The 1990 Phoenix Suns were the last team to accomplish the feat. The Grizzlies made 20 shots in those 12 minutes to open the second half. All but four were assisted baskets. They were 7/10 from beyond the arc and made all 8 free throws.
Apr 9, 2022; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) talks with New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (right) after a game at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Christine Tannous-USA TODAY Sports
"It was tough to watch from the bench. No matter who was in the lineup, there was a sense of helplessness in finally accepting this just was not the team's night," Green remarked. "Hopefully, we never have to feel this again. We just didn't have it tonight. We didn't bring it tonight. We won't flush this game. I'll talk to the guys about it. We just didn't get it done. No excuses."
New Orleans still needs a win over Golden State or a loss from the San Antonio Spurs to secure home court for the NBA Playoff Play-in game at Smoothie King Center.
Now they head home for a season-finale against a motivated Golden State Warriors squad. Per Kendra Andrews, "Steve Kerr says the decision to rest Klay tonight and Andre Iguodala and Otto Porter Jr. tomorrow was to balance out the Warriors' roster over the next two games — both of which they must win to keep the No. 3 seed."
TNT is coming to town for the regular-season finale. Another performance like this in the next two games, and it will be lights out on the Smoothie King Center this season.
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