Memphis Sends Pelicans Packing in Five
Well, that was a statement. The Memphis Grizzlies, against what felt like a whole lot of preseason doubt, just ran the New Orleans Pelicans out of the building in five games. A 4-1 series win, capped off by a dominant 118-97 victory in Game 5, proves this Memphis team is far from done. Ja Morant, as you might expect, was the engine, dropping 35 points and 10 assists in the clincher, making it look effortless.
Thing is, it wasn't just Morant. Desmond Bane found his stroke in the second half of the series, averaging 22 points over the final three games. Jaren Jackson Jr. was a defensive menace, recording four blocks in Game 5 alone, consistently making Zion Williamson's life miserable in the paint. The Grizzlies' defense, which looked a little shaky at times in the regular season, locked down when it mattered most, holding the Pelicans to under 100 points in three of the five contests.
New Orleans, on the other hand, just never really found their rhythm. Williamson had moments, sure, like his 32-point outburst in Game 3, but he often looked frustrated by the double teams and Jackson's length. Brandon Ingram, who can usually get his shot off against anyone, struggled with efficiency throughout the series, shooting just 41% from the field. Coach Willie Green tried different defensive looks, throwing Herb Jones and Dyson Daniels at Morant, but nothing truly stuck.
Morant's Masterclass and Memphis's Grit
Look, the Pelicans had their chances, especially early. They stole Game 1 in Memphis, a 108-106 nail-biter that felt like it might set the tone for a long series. But the Grizzlies responded with a vengeance, winning Game 2 by 20 points. That's when you started to feel the momentum shift. Morant took over in Game 3, scoring 40 points in a hostile Smoothie King Center, silencing the crowd with a flurry of drives and pull-up jumpers.
The tactical battle was fascinating, if a bit one-sided by the end. Taylor Jenkins, the Grizzlies' coach, stuck to his guns. He trusted his young core to play fast, push the pace, and using their athleticism. He wasn't afraid to go small, often playing Jackson at the five to open up the floor. This created matchup problems for the Pelicans, who struggled to contain Memphis's guards off the dribble without fouling. The Grizzlies attempted 28 free throws in Game 5, compared to New Orleans' 15.
My hot take? The Pelicans' biggest mistake was not adjusting their offensive scheme to get Williamson more touches in the post earlier in the series. They tried to run too much off the perimeter, playing into Memphis's quick-handed defenders. Zion's strength is unique; they should have leaned into it more consistently, especially when Ingram was misfiring. Instead, it felt like they waited too long to make that pivot.
What This Means for Both Sides
For the Grizzlies, this series win is huge. It silences some of the critics who wondered if their playoff window was closing after a couple of disappointing finishes. They proved they can win a physical series, that Morant can carry a team, and that their defense is still elite when focused. They're now looking at the next round with genuine belief, likely facing a tougher opponent, but they've got the confidence of a team that just dismantled a division rival.
The Pelicans, however, have some serious soul-searching to do. This was supposed to be their year to take a step forward. They finished the regular season with a 46-36 record, earning a higher seed than Memphis. Falling in five games, especially with home-court advantage, is a major disappointment. The questions about Williamson's long-term health and fit will only get louder after this, as will the discussions about Ingram's ability to be a consistent second option in the playoffs. They need more from their bench, too; no Pelican reserve scored more than 8 points in Game 5.
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies will now prepare for what promises to be a much tougher test. They'll need to maintain this defensive intensity and Morant will need to continue his MVP-level play. The Pelicans, meanwhile, enter a long offseason. They've got talent, no doubt, but finding the right pieces to complement Williamson and Ingram, and developing a more cohesive playoff identity, will be crucial. Their next move, whether it's a coaching change or a significant roster shake-up, will be telling.
Bold Prediction:
The Memphis Grizzlies, riding this momentum, will push their next opponent to seven games, regardless of who it is.