Pelicans Third Quarter Surge Sinks Grizzlies In New Orleans

The Smoothie King Center in New Orleans pulsed with energy on January 30, 2026, as the New Orleans Pelicans hosted the Memphis Grizzlies in a matchup that saw wild momentum swings, standout rookie performances, and a pivotal third-quarter surge that ultimately sealed the deal for the home team. When the final buzzer sounded, the Pelicans had snapped their losing streak with a spirited 114-106 victory, sending the Grizzlies to their fifth consecutive defeat.

Early on, it looked like Memphis might finally reverse their fortunes. The Grizzlies came out swinging, building a double-digit lead in the second quarter behind the aggressive play of Jaren Jackson Jr. Jackson, who erupted for 12 points in the first half, seemed poised to push Memphis over the hump. But as quickly as the Grizzlies surged ahead, the Pelicans responded—first with an 11-0 run that erased the deficit, then with a relentless 20-2 avalanche to close the third quarter. The Smoothie King Center crowd roared as the Pelicans transformed a one-point edge into a commanding 17-point cushion.

“This game changed fast,” noted Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal. “A one-point Grizzlies lead was followed by a 20-2 Pelicans run to close the third quarter. Memphis has its work cut out to get back in the game.”

Despite the daunting deficit, the Grizzlies refused to fold. Memphis opened the fourth quarter with an 11-0 run of their own, slicing the Pelicans’ lead to just six with more than ten minutes still on the clock. Each time the Grizzlies threatened, though, New Orleans found an answer—whether it was a clutch defensive stop or a timely bucket from one of their young stars.

Rookie center Derik Queen was a revelation for the Pelicans, flirting with a triple-double as he racked up 22 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. His poise and versatility in the paint drew praise from fans and teammates alike. Saddiq Bey matched Queen’s scoring output with 22 of his own, attacking the rim with confidence and drawing fouls to keep Memphis on its heels. Zion Williamson, meanwhile, continued his torrid stretch, notching 21 points for his fourth consecutive game with 20 or more—a feat that’s become almost routine for the explosive forward.

“Williamson had his fourth consecutive game with 20-plus points,” reported the Associated Press, highlighting his consistency as a driving force for New Orleans.

Herb Jones added 16 points of his own, including a highlight-reel dunk over Jaren Jackson Jr. that brought the crowd to its feet and seemed to symbolize the Pelicans’ determination to close out the win. Jose Alvarado, ever the spark plug, contributed three crucial three-pointers during that pivotal third quarter, part of a 35-15 frame that saw New Orleans lock down on defense and open up the floor on offense. The Pelicans’ five made threes in the third quarter, three from Alvarado alone, helped stretch the Memphis defense and create driving lanes for Williamson and Bey.

For Memphis, the loss was another tough pill to swallow in a season that’s seen more than its share of adversity. Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 16 points but was hampered by foul trouble, scoring just four after halftime. Cam Spencer also tallied 16, while Cedric Coward and Jock Landale chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively. The Grizzlies’ offensive rhythm sputtered in the third quarter, as they were held to their second-lowest scoring quarter of the season—a testament to the Pelicans’ defensive tenacity.

“The Grizzlies battled back in the fourth quarter, getting within two possessions in the final minutes multiple times. Each time, the Pelicans got a defensive stop or had an offensive answer,” wrote Damichael Cole, capturing the back-and-forth drama that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Memphis was once again without star guard Ja Morant, who missed his fourth straight game due to a sprained left elbow. Morant, who last played on January 21 against Atlanta, has now missed 25 games this season—a staggering absence for a team that relies on his playmaking and leadership. Guard Ty Jerome was also downgraded to out before tipoff due to a right calf injury and has yet to make an appearance in a regular season game for the Grizzlies this year.

With the loss, the Grizzlies dropped to 18-28, marking their second five-game losing streak of the campaign. The Pelicans, on the other hand, improved to 13-37, offering a glimmer of hope as they look to build momentum in the second half of the season.

The game was filled with memorable moments, many of which were captured by Brett Duke, staff photographer for The Times-Picayune. His images showed Saddiq Bey driving to the basket against Vince Williams Jr., Herbert Jones soaring for a dunk over Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jose Alvarado celebrating after drilling a three-pointer—each photo a snapshot of the energy and intensity that defined the night.

Looking ahead, both teams face quick turnarounds. The Grizzlies will return home to host the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 31 at FedExForum, hoping to snap their skid and regain their early-season swagger. The Pelicans, buoyed by their resilient win, will travel to Philadelphia for their next matchup, eager to see if their young core can sustain the level of play they displayed against Memphis.

The Pelicans’ victory was a testament to their ability to weather storms, both literal and figurative. They absorbed Memphis’s best punch, regrouped after falling behind, and then unleashed a third-quarter barrage that proved decisive. For the Grizzlies, the night was a microcosm of their season—flashes of brilliance, undermined by lapses and an inability to sustain momentum when it mattered most.

As the NBA calendar flips to February, both franchises remain works in progress. But if Friday night’s clash in New Orleans was any indication, the Pelicans’ young stars are ready to make some noise, and the Grizzlies—despite their recent struggles—aren’t about to go quietly into the night.