Vince Williams Jr. orchestrated a masterclass in playmaking with 17 assists as the Memphis Grizzlies outlasted the New Orleans Pelicans 133-128 in overtime during Wednesday’s NBA Cup pool play matchup. The Grizzlies held their composure when it mattered most, limiting New Orleans to just 6 points in the extra period to secure a dramatic victory at Smoothie King Center.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Final Score: Memphis Grizzlies 133, New Orleans Pelicans 128 (OT)
- Vince Williams Jr.: 17 assists, establishing a standout performance for Memphis
- Jaren Jackson Jr.: Sealed the victory with clutch free throws with 5 seconds remaining
- Pelicans’ Jose Alvarado: Led New Orleans with 24 points off the bench in their defeat
Grizzlies Defense Dominates Overtime Period
Cagliari faces Lecce tonight in Serie A showdown, Rossoblu seek top-half push
Girona faces Barcelona tonight in La Liga showdown, Barcelona chases lead
Memphis entered the extra frame with the momentum after Zion Williamson’s twisting bank shot forced the game into overtime with just 0.9 seconds remaining in regulation. The Grizzlies’ defense proved suffocating when it counted most, holding the Pelicans scoreless for stretches and ultimately to a season-low 6 points in overtime.
Head coach’s squad executed a defensive masterplan that turned up intensity during the deciding period. The Grizzlies forced the Pelicans into difficult possessions down the stretch, with the visiting team unable to generate quality shots despite their competitive effort.
Vince Williams Jr. Orchestrates Memphis Offensive Flow
East Texas A&M faces Southeastern in Family Fun Day matchup today
Macclesfield faces Brentford tonight in FA Cup fourth-round showdown
Vince Williams Jr. delivered one of his finest performances this season, distributing 17 assists while maintaining efficient basketball throughout four quarters and overtime. The guard operated as Memphis’s offensive engine, creating opportunities for teammates across the court and showcasing improved playmaking consistency.
Williams’ performance highlights the depth of Memphis’s roster, which continued operating effectively despite the absence of key players. His ability to breakdown the Pelicans’ defense and find cutters proved instrumental in the Grizzlies maintaining a competitive game against a resilient New Orleans squad.
Pelicans Squander Halftime Advantage and Late Momentum
| Team | Points | Notable Players |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 133 | Vince Williams Jr. (17 assists), Jaren Jackson Jr. (clutch free throws) |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 128 | Jose Alvarado (24 points), Zion Williamson (forced OT) |
New Orleans controlled much of the contest, leading by 15 points at halftime and maintaining double-digit advantages deep into the second half. However, Memphis’s defensive pressure and Williams’ playmaking steadily chipped away at the Pelicans’ lead throughout the third and fourth quarters.
Jose Alvarado kept New Orleans competitive with 24 points off the bench, showcasing aggression and scoring punch that the home team desperately needed. Williamson’s heroic bank shot with under one second left appeared to secure the victory, only for Memphis to refuse surrender.
Jaren Jackson Jr. Delivers Championship Moment
Jaren Jackson Jr. calmly sank a pair of crucial free throws with just 5 seconds remaining in overtime to effectively seal the victory. The Pelicans’ final attempt to inbound cleanly from the baseline resulted in a turnover, allowing the Grizzlies to celebrate a hard-fought road triumph.
Jackson’s composure at the free throw line reminded observers why Memphis keeps competing despite their injury challenges this season. The forward’s ability to step up in the decisive moment provided the Grizzlies the confidence boost heading into upcoming games within the NBA Cup format.
What This Victory Means for Both Teams’ NBA Cup Hopes
The Grizzlies improved to 2-1 in NBA Cup pool play with this dramatic victory, positioning themselves favorably in their West Group B bracket. Memphis demonstrated resilience and adaptability, winning without several key contributors sidelined by injury.
For New Orleans, falling to 0-4 in pool play severely complicates their tournament aspirations. The Pelicans’ next games become must-wins if they hope to advance, with their entire NBA Cup campaign now under significant pressure. The multi-day break arriving after this loss provides New Orleans time to regroup before facing Golden State on Saturday and the Lakers on Sunday in back-to-back matchups.
Sources
- NBA.com – Official postgame wrap and box score
- ESPN – Live game coverage and statistics
- Commercial Appeal – Game recap and analysis
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.