Pelicans Drop Memphis' Undefeated Record With Late Free Throws

New Orleans defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 135-134 in overtime on Monday night, ending the visitor's perfect season. The loss marked the first defeat for Memphis, which had started the year with a 6-0 record. That streak equaled the franchise's best opening run in its history.

Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 25 points. He scored nine of those in the extra period. Jeremiah Fears secured the victory by sinking two free throws with 7.3 seconds remaining in overtime. Derik Queen added 20 points, while Karlo Matkovic scored a career-high 25 for New Orleans.

Ty Jerome finished with 40 points for Memphis. He helped force overtime by scoring nine consecutive points in the final 1 minute and 43 seconds of regulation. That run tied the game at 124. However, his 15-foot jumper at the end of the game missed, setting up the final sequence.

Cameron Boozer recorded 18 points for the Grizzlies, and Jaylen Wells contributed 16. Memphis struggled from three-point range early in the first half. The Pelicans capitalized on six Memphis turnovers to maintain a lead through the first quarter.

The Pelicans were missing starting guard Dejounte Murray, who sat out his third game for personal reasons. Yves Missi and Jordan Poole were also absent due to injuries. Despite these absences, New Orleans held a 100-95 lead entering the fourth quarter.

The Grizzlies had outscored opponents by an average of eight points in the second half prior to this game. This was only the second time this season that Memphis trailed at the end of the third quarter. The Pelicans' third consecutive win snapped the visitors' six-game winning streak.

Following the final buzzer, players from both teams engaged in a shouting match at midcourt. Officials had to separate the squads as members of each team continued to argue. The Pelicans are now 3-4 on the season and face the Utah Jazz on Wednesday at the Smoothie King Center.