Pelicans pull away in decisive third quarter to beat Grizzlies 114-106 in New Orleans

New Orleans uses a third-quarter surge to separate from Memphis

The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 114-106 on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at Smoothie King Center, turning a tight first half into a controlled finish behind a lopsided third quarter.

Memphis led 32-28 after one quarter and carried a 61-58 advantage into halftime. The game swung immediately after the break, when New Orleans outscored Memphis 35-15 in the third quarter to build a 93-76 lead. Memphis won the fourth quarter 30-21 but never fully erased the deficit.

Balanced Pelicans scoring, efficient finishing inside

New Orleans received 22 points apiece from Saddiq Bey and Derik Queen, while Zion Williamson added 21. Herb Jones scored 16. The Pelicans shot 43-of-88 from the field (48.9%), generating much of their edge through interior efficiency and free throws.

• New Orleans: 114 points on 48.9% shooting (43-of-88)
• Memphis: 106 points on 43.0% shooting (40-of-93)
• Free throws: New Orleans 20-of-26; Memphis 14-of-15

While New Orleans made only 8-of-33 from three-point range (24.2%), its overall efficiency and ability to convert at the line helped maintain separation during Memphis’ late push.

Grizzlies shorthanded as Morant remains sidelined

Memphis played without star guard Ja Morant for a fourth straight game due to a sprained left elbow. Morant last appeared on Jan. 21, 2026, and his absence continued to reshape the Grizzlies’ offensive workload and late-game shot creation.

Cam Spencer and Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 16 points each. Cedric Coward scored 13, and Jock Landale added 12. Spencer also provided playmaking, finishing with three assists, while Memphis totaled 26 assists as a team.

Key statistical separators: turnovers and the third-quarter gap

Memphis’ rally attempt was undercut by the third-quarter differential and by turnover volume. The Grizzlies committed 19 turnovers, compared with 15 for the Pelicans. New Orleans also posted 13 steals and six blocks, contributing to disrupted possessions and limiting Memphis’ ability to sustain scoring runs.

Quarter-by-quarter: Memphis 32–29–15–30 (106); New Orleans 28–30–35–21 (114).

The result moved Memphis to 18-28 and New Orleans to 13-37. The teams have split their four-game season series, finishing 2-2.