The Grizzlies opened the 2025-26 campaign with a gritty, resilient 128-122 home victory over the Pelicans. They didn’t just win—they made a statement. After a rough start (down by 15 at one point), Memphis roared back, led by a dominant performance from Ja Morant and a host of supporting players stepping up when it counted.
Key Performers & Turning Points
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Ja Morant put up 35 points on 13-of-20 shooting, making sure this opener wasn’t just a notch in the win column but a showcase.
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Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed a rugged stat line: 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 blocks before fouling out late.
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Rookie Cedric Coward arrived in style: 14 points, perfect from the field (5-5) and free-throw line (4-4).
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The third quarter: Memphis erased a big deficit with a 41-22 surge, turning the tide decisively.
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The final minutes: clutch free throws and Morant’s late bucket sealed it. The Pelicans turned it over with about 5.6 seconds to go while trailing by four.
Why This Matters
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Momentum is real. Opening night sets the tone. Morant said as much: this victory “sets the tone” for what’s ahead.
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Overcoming the early deficit. Being down by 15+ early is nothing new, but the ability to stay composed and flip the script speaks to maturity.
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Depth showing up. With key rotations pressed into heavy minutes (and Jackson Jr. fouling out), the fact that others stepped up (Coward, KCP, etc.) is encouraging.
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Big picture: retooling. Memphis made moves over the off-season and lost star shooters; this game suggests the identity—defensive grit, Morant’s playmaking, youth stepping in—is intact.
Areas for Improvement
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The early giveaway: allowing the Pelicans to build a double-digit lead means the Grizzlies still need to sharpen the start.
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Foul trouble: Jackson Jr. fouled out, and that can hurt against deeper rosters.
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Sustaining consistency: Great first game, but 82 is long and opponents will adjust.
What to Watch Next
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Can Memphis keep the defensive intensity up when the offensive machine isn’t running smoothly?
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Morant’s durability—his usage will be high; keeping him healthy will be key.
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How the rookie and bench pieces develop—Coward’s debut is a good sign, but sustaining production matters.
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The Pelicans, though showing flashes, couldn’t close; watching how opponents exploit Memphis in tight moments will be telling.
Final Thoughts
For the Grizzlies — this was more than just a win. It was a statement: that despite off-season upheavals, they are still a team with swagger, fight, and stars ready to carry the load. For the Pelicans — a solid effort with talent, but lacking the closing punch when the game tipped.
If you’re a Grizzlies fan, tonight’s performance gives cause for optimism. For the league, watch this squad: they may just be sneaky dangerous.
Stats from ESPN.com