Zion Williamson's 9-Point Overtime Run Breaks Grizzlies' Undefeated Streak
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated Memphis 135-134 in overtime, ending the Grizzlies' perfect season with a low-scoring final period.
By John Ferrari ·
Zion Williamson scored the first nine points of overtime for the New Orleans Pelicans, a sequence that broke the Memphis Grizzlies' undefeated streak.
The Pelicans won 135-134 at FedEx Forum on Sunday, marking their third consecutive victory and the first loss for the NBA's last remaining perfect team.
New Orleans had led 124-115 with two minutes and twenty-six seconds left in regulation after Karlo Matkovic hit his fifth three-pointer of the night. The Pelicans then failed to score for the rest of regulation.
Memphis relied on Ty Jerome, who finished with 40 points and is an early candidate for Most Improved Player. However, Trey Murphy guarded Jerome on the final play of regulation, and his jumper missed.
The Pelicans' bench provided strong support as well. Derik Queen scored 20 points, and Saddiq Bey added 18. Queen scored 18 of his points in the first half. Jeremiah Fears contributed 12 points and seven assists, including two free throws with 7.3 seconds remaining in overtime to seal the win.
Coach Jamahl Mosley credited the team's collective effort for staying composed in the final minutes. "We talk about by committee and it definitely was by committee," Mosley said. "These guys did an unbelievable job of finding a way to stay poised."
Williamson finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. It was his first double-double of the season. Matkovic posted a career-high 25 points, shooting 5-for-8 from three-point range. Trey Murphy added 18 points. The Pelicans committed only eight turnovers throughout the game.
Dejounte Murray missed his third consecutive game for personal reasons. He missed Thursday's game against the Sacramento Kings because of the birth of his son. He attended Saturday's game against the Atlanta Hawks but flew home from Memphis afterward. The Pelicans will host the Utah Jazz Wednesday, seeking a fourth straight win after losing to Utah 120-119 earlier in the season.
"I'm just glad we got our third win in a row," Williamson said. "Let's keep it going."
