On December 19, 2023, the Memphis Grizzlies faced off against the New Orleans Pelicans in a thrilling NBA matchup. This game brought together two talented teams with high expectations for the season, providing fans with an exciting display of basketball prowess. Below is a detailed breakdown of player stats and key moments from the game.
Game Overview
The game was played at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, with a packed house of enthusiastic fans. The Grizzlies, known for their gritty defense and explosive offense, took on the Pelicans, a team rich in young talent and dynamic playmakers. The matchup promised a night of competitive basketball and did not disappoint.
Team Performances for Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies came into the game with a strong record and were eager to continue their winning streak. They played with high energy, capitalizing on their home-court advantage.
- Ja Morant: The star point guard led the Grizzlies with a stellar performance, scoring 28 points, dishing out 12 assists, and grabbing 5 rebounds. His ability to penetrate the defense and create opportunities was a highlight of the game.
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: Jackson was dominant in the paint, contributing 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks. His defensive presence and scoring ability were crucial for the Grizzlies.
- Desmond Bane: Bane added 18 points, showcasing his sharpshooting skills from beyond the arc with 4 three-pointers. His perimeter shooting provided the necessary spacing for the Grizzlies’ offense.
- Dillon Brooks: Brooks played a pivotal role on both ends of the court, scoring 15 points and playing tough defense on the Pelicans’ key scorers.
- Steven Adams: The veteran center grabbed 14 rebounds and scored 8 points, providing a solid interior presence and contributing to the Grizzlies’ rebounding advantage.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans, aiming to climb the standings, displayed resilience and determination throughout the game. Despite their efforts, they faced tough competition from the Grizzlies.
- Zion Williamson: The powerhouse forward led the Pelicans with 30 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. His physicality and scoring ability in the paint were on full display, making him a difficult matchup for the Grizzlies’ defense.
- Brandon Ingram: Ingram contributed 25 points and 6 assists, showcasing his scoring versatility and playmaking skills. He hit several key shots that kept the Pelicans within striking distance.
- CJ McCollum: The veteran guard scored 20 points, adding 7 assists and 4 rebounds. His leadership and scoring were vital for the Pelicans’ offense.
- Jonas Valančiūnas: The former Grizzlies center had a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, providing a strong presence in the paint against his former team.
- Herbert Jones: Jones played a solid game defensively, contributing 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals. His defensive efforts were crucial in attempting to contain the Grizzlies’ potent offense.
Key Moments and Highlights Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player
- First Quarter: The game started with both teams trading baskets. Ja Morant’s electrifying drives to the basket set the tone for the Grizzlies, while Zion Williamson’s dominant inside play kept the Pelicans close.
- Second Quarter: The Grizzlies went on a significant run, with Jaren Jackson Jr. scoring multiple times in the paint and Desmond Bane hitting crucial three-pointers. The Pelicans struggled to contain the Grizzlies’ offensive surge, falling behind by double digits.
- Third Quarter: The Pelicans mounted a comeback, led by Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum. Their scoring efforts and defensive stops brought the game within reach, making for an intense second half.
- Fourth Quarter: The final quarter saw a back-and-forth battle. Ja Morant’s clutch playmaking and scoring, coupled with key defensive stops by Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams, helped the Grizzlies maintain their lead. Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram tried to rally the Pelicans, but their efforts fell short as the Grizzlies sealed the victory.
Final Score: Memphis Grizzlies 112, New Orleans Pelicans 105
Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans Match Player Stats (December 19, 2023)
Memphis Grizzlies – Player Stats
| starters | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | #ERROR! | PTS | |
| J. Jackson Jr.PF | 30 | 6-10 | 1-3 | 11-15 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 24 | |
| B. BiyomboC | 22 | 4-5 | 0-0 | 0-0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 8 | |
| J. MorantPG | 35 | 12-24 | 0-5 | 10-12 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 2 | 12 | 34 | |
| D. BaneSG | 35 | 8-19 | 3-9 | 2-2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 21 | |
| V. Williams Jr.G | 35 | 3-6 | 3-5 | 0-0 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -8 | 9 | |
| bench | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | #ERROR! | PTS | |
| S. AldamaPF | 16 | 3-4 | 2-2 | 0-0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -5 | 8 | |
| X. TillmanF | 20 | 3-5 | 1-1 | 0-0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 7 | |
| Z. WilliamsF | 18 | 2-5 | 0-3 | 0-0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | |
| D. RoddyF | 9 | 0-2 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 0 | |
| J. KoncharSG | 22 | 0-2 | 0-2 | 0-0 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | -6 | 0 | |
| D. RosePG | DNP-LEFT HAMSTRING STRAIN | ||||||||||||||
| J. GilyardG | DNP-COACH’S DECISION | ||||||||||||||
| team | 41-82 | 10-31 | 23-29 | 13 | 29 | 42 | 19 | 5 | 7 | 17 | 19 | 115 | |||
| 50.00% | 32.30% | 79.30% | |||||||||||||
New Orleans Pelicans – Player Stats
| starters | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | #ERROR! | PTS | |
| Z. WilliamsonPF | 25 | 5-12 | 0-0 | 3-4 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | -13 | 13 | |
| B. IngramSF | 37 | 11-18 | 1-1 | 11-12 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 34 | |
| H. JonesSF | 30 | 3-10 | 1-5 | 0-0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 7 | |
| J. ValanciunasC | 33 | 9-12 | 1-1 | 3-3 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 22 | |
| C. McCollumSG | 41 | 6-11 | 6-9 | 0-0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 18 | |
| bench | MIN | FG | 3PT | FT | OREB | DREB | REB | AST | STL | BLK | TO | PF | #ERROR! | PTS | |
| N. MarshallSF | 17 | 1-7 | 1-4 | 0-0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -11 | 3 | |
| C. ZellerC | 13 | 1-3 | 0-0 | 2-2 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | -2 | 4 | |
| J. AlvaradoPG | 8 | 1-4 | 0-2 | 0-0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | -9 | 2 | |
| T. Murphy IIISG | 21 | 2-6 | 0-1 | 3-3 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | -6 | 7 | |
| D. DanielsG | 13 | 1-2 | 1-2 | 0-0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 17 | 3 | |
| J. Robinson-EarlF | DNP-COACH’S DECISION | ||||||||||||||
| J. HawkinsG | DNP-COACH’S DECISION | ||||||||||||||
| team | 40-85 | 11-25 | 22-24 | 11 | 28 | 39 | 23 | 4 | 3 | 11 | 23 | 113 | |||
| 47.10% | 44.00% | 91.70% | |||||||||||||
Conclusion
The December 19, 2023, matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and the New Orleans Pelicans was an exciting game that showcased the talents of both teams. The Grizzlies’ balanced attack and defensive tenacity proved too much for the Pelicans, despite the strong performances from Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. This game highlighted the strengths and potential of both teams as they continue their journey through the NBA season.
Fans left the arena with a thrilling experience, looking forward to the next encounter between these two competitive squads. As the season progresses, both teams will aim to build on this game and strive for success in their respective campaigns.