Pelicans stun Memphis with 135-134 overtime victory

The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 135-134 on Monday night at FedExForum. The win ended the last remaining undefeated team in the NBA. Jeremiah Fears made two free throws with 7.3 seconds remaining in overtime to secure the result. Zion Williamson added nine points in the extra period. This marked the first loss for Memphis this season. The Pelicans extended their win streak to three games.

Memphis opened the season with a 6-0 record. That start matched the best opening streak in franchise history. The Grizzlies had won their previous six games. Ty Jerome finished with 40 points for Memphis. His 15-foot shot from the perimeter missed with the clock expiring in regulation. The miss allowed the Pelicans to force overtime.

Karlo Matkovic recorded a career high with 25 points. Williamson also scored 25 points for New Orleans. Derik Queen added 20 points. Cameron Boozer contributed 18 points for Memphis. Jaylen Wells scored 16 points for the home team. The Pelicans started the game without guard Dejounte Murray. He missed his third contest for personal reasons. Starter Yves Missi and reserve Jordan Poole were absent due to injuries.

New Orleans held a defensive advantage in the first half. Memphis struggled from beyond the arc early. The Pelicans capitalized on six Memphis turnovers. Queen scored 18 points during that stretch to maintain the lead. Memphis had outscored opponents by an average of eight points in the second half of their previous games. The Grizzlies could not overcome the early deficit. New Orleans led 100-95 entering the fourth quarter. This was only the second time this season Memphis trailed at the end of the third quarter.

Jerome tied the game at 124 with 1:43 left in regulation. He scored nine consecutive points to force the extra period. A physical altercation broke out between the teams at midcourt after the final horn. Players from both squads shouted at one another. Officials had to separate the players. Both teams remained vocal during the standoff.

The Pelicans are now 3-4 on the season. They return to the Smoothie King Center on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Their next opponent is the Utah Jazz. The game is scheduled for local time. The Pelicans will look to extend their winning streak.