Zion Williamson Leads Pelicans to First Grizzlies Loss

Zion Williamson scored nine of his 25 points in overtime and Jeremiah Fears hit two free throws with 7.3 seconds left as the Pelicans handed the Grizzlies their first loss of the season, 135-134 on Monday night in Memphis. Ty Jerome had 40 for the Grizzlies, but his last-second 15-footer missed.

Memphis was the NBA's last unbeaten team, and its 6-0 start matched the best opening streak in franchise history, per the AP. New Orleans, missing Dejounte Murray, Yves Missi and Jordan Poole, went into FedExForum and ended it anyway. That is three straight wins for the Pelicans, now 3-4, while Memphis drops to 6-1.

Zion Owned Overtime

Williamson was efficient all night: 9 of 15 from the field, 7 of 9 at the line, 11 rebounds and zero turnovers in 35 minutes, per the ESPN box score. When the game got tight in the extra period, the ball went to him and he delivered, bullying his way to the rim and the line instead of settling. Four of his 11 boards came on the offensive glass, too.

He had plenty of help. Karlo Matkovic dropped a career-high 25, hitting 5 of 8 from deep, and rookie Derik Queen added 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Queen had 18 of those in the first half, when the Pelicans defense forced six Memphis turnovers and built the lead. New Orleans led 100-95 after three, only the second time this season Memphis trailed going into the fourth.

Ty Jerome Almost Stole It

Jerome was unreal. He scored nine straight points in the final 1:43 of regulation to tie it at 124, and finished 14 of 22 with 5 of 6 from three. Cameron Boozer chipped in 18 points and nine rebounds, and Jaylen Wells scored 16.

It did not end quietly, either. After the final horn the teams got into a shouting match at midcourt and had to be separated, per the AP. Do not be surprised if that carries over the next time these two meet.

What Is Next

The Pelicans host the Jazz on Wednesday, and the Grizzlies host the Pacers the same night. Zion has been the engine of this three-game run, and with Murray and Poole still out, the touches keep flowing his way. The Smacktok lean is higher on Zion's points against Utah. Pelicans fans, this is the version of the team you were waiting for.