Pelicans Beat the Grizzlies 135-134 in Overtime to Hand Memphis Its First Loss, Behind Williamson's 25
Memphis was the NBA's last unbeaten team. Ty Jerome's 40 points forced overtime, Zion Williamson scored nine in it, and Jeremiah Fears' free throws with 7.3 seconds left ended the run.
The New Orleans Pelicans beat the Memphis Grizzlies 135-134 in overtime on Monday night at FedExForum, handing Memphis its first loss of the season. New Orleans led 124-115 with 2:36 left in regulation, gave all of it back, and still won the extra period 11-10.
Ty Jerome nearly saved Memphis by himself: his game-high 40 points included nine straight in the final 1:43 of regulation - the whole of a 9-0 run that tied the game at 124 - and eight of the Grizzlies' 10 overtime points, the Associated Press reported. The loss snapped a six-game winning streak that had matched the best season-opening run in franchise history; Memphis, the league's last undefeated team, is now 6-1.
Zion Williamson answered with 25 points and 11 rebounds, including nine of New Orleans' overtime points, Reuters reported, and Jeremiah Fears hit two free throws with 7.3 seconds left - off a second-chance opportunity - for the final margin, capping his 12-point night. Karlo Matkovic also scored 25 for the Pelicans, Derik Queen added 20 off the bench, and Trey Murphy III and Saddiq Bey scored 18 each in New Orleans' third straight win after a 0-4 start. The Pelicans host Utah on Wednesday; Memphis hosts Indiana.
