Instant Reactions to the New Orleans Pelicans 109-99 Win Over Memphis
The New Orleans Pelicans beat Memphis behind a big fourth quarter from Zion Williamson.
The New Orleans Pelicans got out to a fast start and outlasted the Memphis Grizzlies 109-99 behind a nice overall team effort.
The Pelicans’ energy was at a different level tonight, especially defensively, and they were able to eventually wear the Grizzlies down in the second half.
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There was a lot to like about tonight’s win, especially after the blowout loss to the Clippers. The young Pelicans showed some heart tonight and took care of business against a Grizzlies’ team that was on the tail end of a back-to-back.
It was nice to see Zion Williamson close out the game strong. The Pelicans were only up four when he came back into the game in the fourth quarter and he got a few buckets to help them extend the lead.
Brandon Ingram was also big down the stretch, hitting some contested jumpers and carrying the Pelicans’ offense.
Here are my instant reactions from tonight’s win against Memphis.
Jrue Holiday’s Defense Set the Tone
The Pelicans came out with much more energy tonight, which was nice to see.
It was led by Jrue Holiday, who was a menace on defense, got his hands on everything, and really set the tone.
He ended the night with only one steal, but he had his hands on the ball just about every time the Grizzlies tried to penetrate.
He also locked up Ja Morant, forcing him to settle for three-point shots all night, which seemed to be the Pelicans’ strategy. Morant ended 5-21 and just 1-10 from long-range, so clearly that strategy worked.
The Pelicans played much better defensively against Memphis and a big part of that was Holiday.
He had one of his worst games of the season against the Clippers, so it was nice to see him bounce back and lead this team through his effort.
Holiday ended the game with only 15 points, but his energy and defense early on got the Pelicans going and he was able to get the best of Morant.
The Pelicans need Holiday to be their best defensive player, and tonight he was.