New Orleans Pelicans escaped FedExForum with a 135-134 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on November 3, 2026, in a National Basketball Association matchup that featured 20 lead changes and a finish that came down to the final possession. The Pelicans improved their late-game execution behind a dominant interior performance, while Memphis came up one stop short after trading baskets for much of the second half.

Game overview

Both teams played at a high pace from the opening tip, combining for 269 points and turning the game into a series of runs. Memphis controlled the paint early, but New Orleans answered with timely three-point shooting and a decisive edge at the free-throw line in the fourth quarter.

• First quarter: Memphis 33, New Orleans 30
• Second quarter: Memphis 34, New Orleans 36
• Third quarter: Memphis 32, New Orleans 33
• Fourth quarter: Memphis 35, New Orleans 36
• Final: Memphis Grizzlies 134, New Orleans Pelicans 135

Key moments

The Grizzlies led 128-124 with just over four minutes remaining after Ja Morant converted a driving layup and Jaren Jackson Jr. followed with a mid-range jumper. New Orleans responded with a 7-0 run capped by a Trey Murphy III corner three, swinging the momentum back to the visitors.

With 12.4 seconds left, Zion Williamson drew a foul on a strong move to the rim and made one of two free throws to put New Orleans ahead 135-134. Memphis had a final chance, but Morant’s contested floater over two defenders rimmed out as the horn sounded.

Standout players

• Zion Williamson, New Orleans: 34 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, shooting 13-of-19 from the field.
• Trey Murphy III, New Orleans: 27 points, including six three-pointers, and two steals.
• Dejounte Murray, New Orleans: 22 points, 12 assists, 5 rebounds.
• Ja Morant, Memphis: 31 points, 11 assists, 4 rebounds.
• Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis: 28 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks.
• Zach Edey, Memphis: 18 points, 14 rebounds, 2 blocks.

Tactical story

New Orleans won the paint battle 62-58 and shot 29-of-34 from the free-throw line, a critical margin in a one-point game. Memphis generated more fast-break chances and forced 15 turnovers, but the Grizzlies settled for contested jumpers late and finished 11-of-35 from beyond the arc. The Pelicans’ ability to attack the rim through Williamson and Murray kept Memphis’s defense in rotation, opening clean looks for Murphy on the wing.

Season impact

The result gives New Orleans an early-season road win against a Western Conference opponent and reinforces its ability to close tight games. Memphis falls despite a strong offensive night from its backcourt, and the Grizzlies will look to tighten their late-game defense before the next stop on the schedule. In a crowded Western Conference race, a single-possession loss can carry meaningful weight when standings are sorted in April.