The New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies match player stats from the NBA regular season opener on October 23, 2025, tell the story of a competitive contest that shifted dramatically in the second half. Played at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, the Grizzlies overcame an early deficit to earn a 128 to 122 victory in front of 17,794 fans. While New Orleans controlled much of the first half behind Zion Williamson’s efficient scoring, Memphis responded with an explosive third quarter led by Ja Morant and an outstanding defensive performance from Jaren Jackson Jr. Examining the numbers provides a much deeper understanding of how momentum changed, which players influenced the game the most, and why Memphis opened the season with an important home win.

Match Overview

Match Detail	Information
Competition	NBA Regular Season
Date	October 23, 2025
Venue	FedExForum
City	Memphis, Tennessee
Attendance	17,794
Final Score	Memphis Grizzlies 128, New Orleans Pelicans 122
Winner	Memphis Grizzlies
Season Series	Memphis leads 1 to 0

The opening game of the season featured two talented Western Conference teams with playoff ambitions. Both teams showcased offensive firepower, but Memphis executed better during the decisive moments, particularly after halftime.

Quarter Scores

Quarter	Pelicans	Grizzlies
First	30	27
Second	37	29
Third	22	41
Fourth	33	31
Final	122	128

The third quarter completely changed the direction of the game. After trailing by eleven points at halftime, Memphis outscored New Orleans 41 to 22, creating enough separation to protect its lead during the closing minutes.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Match Player Stats

The New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies match player stats reveal several interesting trends beyond the final score. Although the Pelicans finished with more rebounds and forced more steals, Memphis capitalized on superior shooting efficiency, stronger interior defense, and outstanding free throw accuracy.

Team Statistics Comparison

Team Statistics	Pelicans	Grizzlies
Field Goals	45 of 98	41 of 80
Field Goal Percentage	46%	51%
Three Pointers	10 of 27	11 of 37
Three Point Percentage	37%	30%
Free Throws	22 of 31	35 of 43
Free Throw Percentage	71%	81%
Total Rebounds	47	39
Assists	20	20
Turnovers	14	17
Steals	10	5
Blocks	4	12
Personal Fouls	30	29

At first glance, New Orleans appeared to have advantages in rebounding, steals, and ball security. However, Memphis compensated by making a higher percentage of its field goals while dominating the paint defensively with twelve blocked shots.

New Orleans Pelicans Player Statistics

The Pelicans received productive performances from several starters, but their second half offense slowed considerably.

Zion Williamson

Points: 27

Rebounds: 9

Zion Williamson was the offensive leader for New Orleans. He consistently attacked the basket, drew contact, and finished through defenders. During the first half, he was nearly unstoppable and helped build the Pelicans’ early advantage.

Although he remained productive throughout the game, Memphis adjusted its defensive approach after halftime by collapsing more defenders into the paint and forcing tougher attempts.

Herbert Jones

Points: 17

Rebounds: 9

Herbert Jones delivered one of the most complete performances on the Pelicans roster. His defensive versatility remained valuable throughout the night, while his rebounding helped New Orleans control second-chance opportunities.

Jordan Poole

Points: 17

Jordan Poole supplied important perimeter scoring and spacing. His ability to create shots kept the offense balanced alongside Williamson, especially during the opening two quarters.

Trey Murphy III

Although he did not finish among the team’s leading scorers, Trey Murphy III stretched the floor and contributed with timely perimeter shooting and defensive effort.

Yves Missi

The rookie center handled significant interior responsibilities against a physical Memphis frontcourt. While facing experienced defenders, he battled for rebounds and provided valuable minutes protecting the rim.

Memphis Grizzlies Player Statistics

Memphis showcased balanced scoring, elite shot blocking, and outstanding leadership from its franchise star.

Ja Morant

Points: 35

Ja Morant delivered the game’s highest scoring performance.

His speed in transition, aggressive drives, and late-game shot making completely changed the momentum after halftime. Every time New Orleans attempted to reduce the deficit during the fourth quarter, Morant answered with another important basket or created scoring opportunities for teammates.

His performance demonstrated why he remains one of the NBA’s most dangerous offensive guards.

Jaren Jackson Jr.

Points: 18

Rebounds: 8

Blocks: 6

Jaren Jackson Jr. influenced the game on both ends of the court.

While his scoring was efficient, his defensive impact proved even more valuable. Recording six blocks, he repeatedly discouraged Pelicans players from attacking the rim during the second half.

His rim protection became one of the defining factors behind Memphis limiting New Orleans to only twenty two points in the third quarter.

Kentavious Caldwell Pope

Points: 15

Caldwell Pope contributed efficient scoring while also defending multiple perimeter assignments. His veteran experience helped stabilize the Grizzlies whenever the Pelicans attempted to regain momentum.

Jaylen Wells

Jaylen Wells provided valuable minutes through energy, perimeter defense, and movement without the basketball. Although his statistical production was modest, his activity supported Memphis throughout the contest.

Jock Landale

Landale added physical interior play, setting effective screens and helping Memphis compete despite being outrebounded overall.

Breaking Down the Team Numbers

Several statistical categories explain why Memphis earned the victory despite trailing for much of the first half.

Better Shooting Efficiency

The Grizzlies attempted eighteen fewer field goals but still scored more points because they converted 51 percent of their shots compared to the Pelicans’ 46 percent.

Efficiency often outweighs volume, and this game demonstrated that perfectly.

Free Throw Advantage

One of the biggest differences came at the foul line.

Memphis made thirty five free throws while New Orleans converted only twenty two.

That thirteen point difference nearly matched the six point final margin and proved decisive.

Elite Rim Protection

The Grizzlies recorded twelve blocked shots compared to only four by New Orleans.

This defensive dominance forced the Pelicans to alter their shot selection throughout the second half.

Third Quarter Explosion

The game’s defining stretch came immediately after halftime.

Memphis scored forty one points while allowing only twenty two.

During those twelve minutes, the Grizzlies completely erased the halftime deficit and established control of the contest.

Their improved defensive intensity combined with efficient transition offense changed the outcome before the fourth quarter even began.

Quarter by Quarter Breakdown

Understanding how momentum shifted throughout the game provides valuable context beyond the final score. While the box score highlights individual production, the flow of each quarter explains why Memphis finished with a six point victory.

First Quarter

Pelicans 30, Grizzlies 27

New Orleans made an impressive start, playing with confidence on both ends of the floor. Zion Williamson established himself early by attacking the basket and forcing Memphis to defend inside. Herbert Jones also contributed with timely baskets and aggressive rebounding.

The Pelicans controlled the pace during much of the opening period, moving the ball effectively and creating quality scoring opportunities. Memphis stayed within striking distance thanks to Ja Morant, who prevented the game from becoming a double digit deficit before the first break.

Although the Grizzlies shot efficiently, New Orleans looked like the more organized team during the opening twelve minutes.

Second Quarter

Pelicans 37, Grizzlies 29

The Pelicans continued their offensive rhythm in the second quarter.

Jordan Poole provided valuable scoring support alongside Williamson, while the team’s ball movement helped create open shots around the perimeter. New Orleans entered halftime with a 67 to 56 lead after producing one of its best offensive stretches of the night.

Several factors contributed to the Pelicans’ first half success.

• Strong rebounding effort
• Consistent attacks toward the basket
• Effective transition offense
• Active perimeter defense forcing turnovers

At halftime, New Orleans appeared to be in complete control. However, the game changed dramatically after the break.

The Third Quarter That Changed Everything

Grizzlies 41, Pelicans 22

Every close NBA game has one defining stretch, and this contest was no exception.

Memphis completely transformed the matchup during the third quarter.

The Grizzlies became far more aggressive defensively, contesting nearly every shot and protecting the paint with outstanding discipline. Jaren Jackson Jr. anchored the defense with multiple blocked shots, making it increasingly difficult for the Pelicans to finish inside.

On the offensive end, Ja Morant elevated his performance.

Instead of settling for difficult attempts, Memphis attacked the rim, earned trips to the free throw line, and generated easier scoring opportunities. Their improved execution quickly erased the halftime deficit before building a lead of their own.

Meanwhile, New Orleans struggled to maintain the offensive rhythm that had carried them through the first half. The Pelicans managed only 22 points during the quarter, allowing Memphis to seize complete control.

When comparing all four quarters, this period ultimately decided the game.

Fourth Quarter

Pelicans 33, Grizzlies 31

To their credit, the Pelicans refused to give up.

Williamson continued attacking the basket, while Herbert Jones and Jordan Poole made important contributions as New Orleans attempted to close the gap.

Despite the comeback effort, Memphis remained composed.

Ja Morant repeatedly delivered in crucial possessions, whether by creating his own shot or putting pressure on the defense. The Grizzlies also converted key free throws during the closing minutes, preventing the Pelicans from completing their comeback.

Although New Orleans actually outscored Memphis in the fourth quarter, the damage created during the third quarter proved too much to overcome.

Tactical Analysis

The statistics reveal several strategic differences between both teams.

Why Memphis Won

Superior Shot Efficiency

The Grizzlies attempted only 80 field goals compared to the Pelicans’ 98.

Despite taking significantly fewer shots, Memphis scored more efficiently by converting 51 percent from the field.

Quality proved more valuable than quantity.

Winning at the Free Throw Line

Free throws became one of the biggest differences.

Team	Made	Attempted	Percentage
Memphis	35	43	81%
New Orleans	22	31	71%

Those extra opportunities reflected Memphis’ aggressive attacking style throughout the second half.

Drawing fouls not only produced easy points but also disrupted the Pelicans’ defensive rotations.

Interior Defense

One statistic immediately stands out.

• Memphis Blocks: 12
• New Orleans Blocks: 4

Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way with six blocks, but the entire Grizzlies defense contributed to protecting the rim.

The Pelicans frequently found themselves forced into difficult shots near the basket, reducing their offensive efficiency after halftime.

Why the Pelicans Fell Short

New Orleans performed well in several important categories.

They finished with:

• More rebounds
• More steals
• Fewer turnovers

Normally, those advantages are enough to win many NBA games.

However, several issues limited their chances.

First, the Pelicans could not maintain their offensive efficiency after halftime.

Second, they struggled to defend without fouling, allowing Memphis to score 35 points from the free throw line.

Finally, the team found it difficult to generate consistent offense whenever Memphis increased its defensive pressure.

Comparing the Star Performers

Zion Williamson

Zion finished with 27 points and 9 rebounds while serving as the offensive centerpiece for New Orleans.

His ability to attack defenders remained impressive throughout the night. He consistently generated scoring opportunities near the basket and created matchup problems because of his combination of strength and quickness.

Despite his production, Memphis gradually adjusted by bringing additional defenders into the paint, making every possession more challenging during the second half.

Ja Morant

Morant led all scorers with 35 points.

What made his performance particularly valuable was the timing of his scoring.

Rather than collecting points after the game had already been decided, Morant delivered during the Grizzlies’ most important stretch.

His explosive drives changed defensive coverage, opened opportunities for teammates, and energized the home crowd during Memphis’ third quarter run.

Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Defensive Masterclass

Scoring often receives the most attention, but Jaren Jackson Jr. quietly produced one of the game’s most influential performances.

His final numbers included:

• 18 points
• 8 rebounds
• 6 blocks

The six blocked shots represent more than an impressive statistic.

They altered offensive decisions.

Pelicans players became noticeably more cautious attacking the paint, leading to contested attempts and disrupted offensive rhythm.

That defensive presence played a major role in Memphis limiting New Orleans to only 22 third quarter points.

Supporting Cast Contributions

Basketball games are rarely won by one player alone.

Memphis received valuable production throughout its lineup.

Kentavious Caldwell Pope added 15 points while providing dependable perimeter defense.

Jaylen Wells contributed energy and defensive intensity even without posting eye catching numbers.

Jock Landale battled inside against New Orleans’ frontcourt, helping Memphis compete despite losing the rebounding battle.

For the Pelicans, Herbert Jones continued showing why he remains one of the NBA’s most valuable two way players. His 17 points and 9 rebounds reflected his ability to contribute beyond traditional scoring.

Jordan Poole also added 17 points, giving New Orleans another offensive option alongside Williamson.

Coaching Adjustments

One of the most interesting aspects of this game involved the adjustments made after halftime.

During the first half, New Orleans successfully attacked inside and maintained offensive balance.

After halftime, Memphis responded by:

• Increasing defensive pressure around the paint.
• Contesting drives more aggressively.
• Rotating quicker on help defense.
• Playing with greater pace in transition.
• Attacking the basket to draw fouls.

Those tactical adjustments produced immediate results and completely shifted the momentum.

On the other side, the Pelicans struggled to counter Memphis’ defensive changes.

Their offense became increasingly dependent on individual shot creation rather than the balanced ball movement seen earlier in the game.

As a result, scoring opportunities became more difficult during the critical third quarter.

What This Result Means for the Pelicans

Although New Orleans opened the season with a loss, there were still several encouraging signs that the coaching staff can build upon.

The Pelicans scored 122 points on the road, which is generally enough to stay competitive in most NBA games. Zion Williamson looked healthy and aggressive, while Herbert Jones and Jordan Poole provided meaningful offensive support.

However, the game also exposed areas that require improvement.

Improve Defensive Consistency

The first half demonstrated that New Orleans can defend at a high level. The challenge is maintaining that intensity for all four quarters.

Allowing 41 points in a single quarter gave Memphis complete control of the game.

Convert More Free Throws

The Pelicans finished 22 for 31 from the free throw line, a success rate of 71 percent.

Missing nine free throws in a game decided by six points proved costly. Improving efficiency at the foul line can make a significant difference over the course of a long NBA season.

Respond Better to Defensive Adjustments

Memphis changed its defensive approach after halftime, and the Pelicans struggled to respond.

Developing more offensive counters against aggressive interior defense will be an important focus moving forward.

What This Result Means for the Grizzlies

For Memphis, this victory was an ideal way to begin the regular season.

Winning against a talented Western Conference opponent showed resilience, patience, and the ability to adjust during difficult situations.

Several positives stood out.

Ja Morant Looks Ready to Lead

Morant’s 35 point performance reminded everyone why he remains one of the league’s most exciting guards.

His ability to create offense under pressure gives Memphis confidence in close games.

Defensive Identity Remains Strong

Recording 12 blocked shots is an impressive achievement against any NBA team.

Jaren Jackson Jr. once again demonstrated why he is considered one of basketball’s premier defensive players, and the team’s collective rim protection disrupted New Orleans throughout the second half.

Effective Halftime Adjustments

The coaching staff deserves credit for identifying weaknesses during the first half and implementing successful adjustments.

Changing defensive schemes while increasing offensive aggression completely shifted the momentum of the game.

Complete Team Comparison

Category	New Orleans Pelicans	Memphis Grizzlies	Advantage
Points	122	128	Grizzlies
Field Goal Percentage	46%	51%	Grizzlies
Three Point Percentage	37%	30%	Pelicans
Free Throw Percentage	71%	81%	Grizzlies
Rebounds	47	39	Pelicans
Assists	20	20	Even
Turnovers	14	17	Pelicans
Steals	10	5	Pelicans
Blocks	4	12	Grizzlies

The comparison highlights an interesting contrast.

New Orleans controlled several hustle categories, including rebounds, steals, and turnovers.

Memphis, meanwhile, excelled in the categories that had the greatest influence on the final score, namely shooting efficiency, free throw production, and rim protection.

Biggest Takeaways from the Game

The New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies match player stats reveal much more than individual scoring totals. Several important lessons emerge after reviewing the complete box score.

• Ja Morant delivered the best offensive performance of the night with 35 points.
• Zion Williamson remained New Orleans’ most consistent scoring option, finishing with 27 points and 9 rebounds.
• Jaren Jackson Jr. dominated defensively with 6 blocks while adding 18 points and 8 rebounds.
• Memphis won despite attempting fewer field goals because it shot more efficiently.
• The Grizzlies’ 41 point third quarter completely changed the outcome.
• Free throw efficiency played a decisive role, with Memphis converting 81 percent compared to New Orleans’ 71 percent.
• Both teams recorded 20 assists, showing that ball movement remained balanced throughout the game.
• Memphis now leads the season series 1 to 0, with three meetings still remaining.

Looking Ahead in the Season Series

This was only the first meeting between these teams during the regular season.

Three games remain.

• November 27 at New Orleans
• January 24 at Memphis
• January 31 at New Orleans

If this opener is any indication, fans can expect another competitive season series.

New Orleans will likely focus on maintaining consistency throughout all four quarters, while Memphis will aim to continue building on the defensive intensity that proved so effective after halftime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the leading scorer in the game?

Ja Morant led all players with 35 points for the Memphis Grizzlies, while Zion Williamson scored 27 points for the New Orleans Pelicans.

What was the final score?

The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 128 to 122 at FedExForum on October 23, 2025.

Which player recorded the most blocks?

Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 6 blocks, making him the game’s most impactful defensive player.

Why did the Grizzlies win the game?

Memphis won because of superior shooting efficiency, outstanding rim protection, an explosive 41 point third quarter, and an 81 percent performance from the free throw line.

Who were the top performers for the Pelicans?

Zion Williamson led the team with 27 points and 9 rebounds. Herbert Jones added 17 points and 9 rebounds, while Jordan Poole contributed 17 points.

What is the season series after this game?

Following this matchup, Memphis leads the regular season series 1 to 0 with three games remaining.

Conclusion

The New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies match player stats illustrate how quickly momentum can shift during an NBA game. New Orleans appeared to be in control after an impressive first half, but Memphis responded with one of its strongest quarters of the night to secure a 128 to 122 victory.

Ja Morant’s 35 point performance provided the offensive spark the Grizzlies needed, while Jaren Jackson Jr. anchored the defense with six blocked shots and consistently protected the paint. On the opposite side, Zion Williamson delivered an efficient scoring performance, but the Pelicans were unable to maintain the same level of execution after halftime.

Beyond the individual numbers, the game highlighted the importance of efficient shooting, defensive adjustments, and capitalizing on opportunities at the free throw line. With three regular season meetings still to come, this opening contest established an exciting foundation for the remainder of the series and offered valuable insight into the strengths and weaknesses of both teams.