Grizzlies Dominate Pelicans, Secure Playoff Spot

Memphis Grizzlies Clinch Playoff Berth with Commanding Victory Over New Orleans Pelicans

The Memphis Grizzlies have officially punched their ticket to the 2026 NBA Playoffs with a statement-making 118-107 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum. In what became a definitive Game 5 performance, Memphis closed out their first-round series 4-1, showcasing the championship-caliber basketball that has defined their season and sending a clear message to Western Conference contenders: this Grizzlies squad is built for a deep postseason run.

The atmosphere inside FedExForum was electric from tip-off, with the Grind City faithful creating a wall of sound that seemed to lift the home team while suffocating New Orleans' offensive rhythm. What unfolded was a masterclass in playoff execution—a blend of individual brilliance, tactical discipline, and the kind of physical, relentless basketball that has become synonymous with Memphis basketball culture.

Ja Morant Orchestrates Offensive Symphony in Playoff Clincher

Ja Morant delivered yet another playoff performance that will be dissected in film rooms across the league. The All-NBA point guard finished with 35 points on 13-of-23 shooting (56.5%), including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc, while distributing 10 assists and committing just two turnovers. But the raw numbers only tell part of the story.

What separated Morant in this closeout game was his decision-making and tempo control. He recorded a plus-minus of +18 in his 37 minutes, and his true shooting percentage of 62.3% reflected his shot selection discipline—a marked improvement from his earlier playoff performances where he sometimes forced the issue. Morant's assist-to-usage rate of 31.2% demonstrated his ability to balance scoring aggression with playmaking responsibilities, a dual threat that kept New Orleans' defense in constant rotation.

The most devastating aspect of Morant's performance came in transition, where Memphis scored 24 fast-break points compared to New Orleans' 11. Morant personally accounted for 14 of those transition points, either as the scorer or the primary facilitator. His ability to push pace off defensive rebounds—Memphis grabbed 38 defensive boards—turned what could have been half-court possessions into easy baskets before the Pelicans could set their defense.

Perhaps most impressive was Morant's fourth-quarter execution. With New Orleans making one final push, cutting the deficit to nine points with 7:42 remaining, Morant responded with eight consecutive points: a step-back three over Herb Jones, a driving floater through traffic, and a thunderous dunk off a pick-and-roll that effectively ended the Pelicans' season. In crunch time, when championship teams separate themselves, Morant's efficiency was surgical—5-of-7 shooting in the final frame.

Desmond Bane Provides the Perfect Secondary Scoring Punch

While Morant commanded the spotlight, Desmond Bane's 24-point performance on 9-of-16 shooting (56.3%) provided the consistent secondary scoring that championship contenders require. Bane's four three-pointers, all coming at critical junctures, repeatedly deflated New Orleans momentum swings and maintained Memphis' comfortable cushion throughout the second half.

What made Bane particularly effective was his off-ball movement and screening. According to tracking data, Bane covered 2.7 miles during the game, the most of any Memphis player, constantly relocating and forcing New Orleans defenders to chase him through a maze of screens. This movement created the spacing necessary for Morant's drives and opened up the paint for Memphis' interior attack.

Bane's defensive contributions were equally vital. Matched up primarily against CJ McCollum, Bane held the veteran guard to just 2-of-9 shooting from three-point range. McCollum's 21 points came on 8-of-19 overall shooting (42.1%), well below his season average efficiency of 47.2%. Bane's ability to navigate screens, fight over the top, and contest without fouling—he committed just two personal fouls—exemplified the two-way excellence that makes him one of the league's most underrated players.

Jaren Jackson Jr. Anchors Defensive Dominance

Jaren Jackson Jr.'s stat line—16 points, 8 rebounds, 5 blocks—doesn't fully capture his defensive impact. The former Defensive Player of the Year altered an estimated 12 additional shot attempts, forcing New Orleans into difficult floaters and contested layups rather than clean looks at the rim. The Pelicans shot just 41.7% in the restricted area, nearly 12 percentage points below their season average, a direct result of Jackson's rim protection.

Jackson's defensive versatility was on full display as he switched seamlessly between guarding Zion Williamson in the post and stepping out to contest perimeter shots. His ability to protect the rim without fouling—he committed just three fouls despite his aggressive defensive style—showcased the maturity and discipline he's developed over his career. This balance between aggression and control is what separates elite defenders from merely good ones.

Offensively, Jackson's spacing ability cannot be understated. His 2-of-4 performance from three-point range forced New Orleans' big men away from the basket, creating driving lanes for Morant and cutting opportunities for Memphis' wings. The Grizzlies' offensive rating of 118.6 points per 100 possessions in this game was significantly aided by Jackson's floor-spacing presence.

The Pivotal Third Quarter Surge That Broke New Orleans

The game's defining sequence occurred midway through the third quarter, a five-minute stretch that transformed a competitive playoff game into a Memphis coronation. With New Orleans having trimmed the deficit to seven points (78-71) following consecutive Brandon Ingram drives, Memphis responded with a devastating 17-4 run that effectively ended the series.

The sequence began with Morant's step-back three over Jones—a shot that had no business going in given the defensive pressure but showcased Morant's expanding offensive arsenal. Bane followed with a steal off a lazy McCollum pass, leading to a transition dunk that sent FedExForum into a frenzy. Two possessions later, Jackson blocked a Williamson layup attempt, leading to another Morant-led fast break that resulted in a Bane corner three.

In those five minutes, Memphis shot 7-of-9 from the field, forced three turnovers, and outscored New Orleans 17-4. The Pelicans' offensive rating during this stretch plummeted to 76.2 points per 100 possessions, a catastrophic collapse that reflected both Memphis' defensive intensity and New Orleans' mental fragility. By the time Willie Green called timeout with 4:32 remaining in the third, the lead had ballooned to 16 points, and the outcome was no longer in doubt.

Steven Adams' Unsung Contributions in the Trenches

Steven Adams' box score—6 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists—belies his enormous impact on this game. The veteran center set bone-crushing screens that freed up Memphis' perimeter players, grabbed crucial offensive rebounds that led to second-chance points, and provided the physical presence that set the tone for Memphis' defensive identity.

Adams' screen assists—plays where his screen directly led to a made basket—totaled seven, tied for the team high. His offensive rebounding percentage of 18.2% gave Memphis extra possessions at critical moments, including a fourth-quarter offensive board that led to a Bane three-pointer. These "winning plays" that don't show up in traditional statistics are what make Adams invaluable to Memphis' playoff success.

Defensively, Adams' positioning and communication were exemplary. He directed traffic, called out screens, and ensured Memphis' defensive rotations remained crisp throughout the game. His plus-minus of +14 in 28 minutes reflected his overall impact on winning basketball.

Tactical Chess Match: Jenkins Outmaneuvers Green

Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins' game plan was a masterpiece of playoff coaching. His strategy centered on three core principles: trap Zion Williamson aggressively, force New Orleans' role players to beat them from the perimeter, and push pace at every opportunity to exploit the Pelicans' transition defense vulnerabilities.

The Williamson trapping scheme was particularly effective. Every time the All-Star forward caught the ball within 15 feet of the basket, Memphis sent a hard double-team, often from the weak-side corner. This forced Williamson to make quick decisions and pass out of pressure, leading to five turnovers and several rushed possessions. Williamson's 28 points and 10 rebounds came on 11-of-22 shooting (50%), but he required 22 field goal attempts to reach that total—proof of Memphis' defensive pressure.

Jenkins also made a crucial adjustment in the second half, switching to a more aggressive pick-and-roll coverage that forced McCollum and Ingram into contested mid-range jumpers rather than allowing them to get downhill. New Orleans shot just 38.5% on two-point attempts outside the restricted area, well below league average, as Memphis' defenders consistently met ball-handlers at the level of the screen.

Willie Green, to his credit, attempted several counter-adjustments. He inserted Dyson Daniels into the starting lineup for the second half, hoping his defensive energy would disrupt Morant's rhythm. Daniels did force two tough shots, but Morant's ability to create separation and finish through contact proved too much. Green also experimented with Williamson as a primary ball-handler in pick-and-roll situations, trying to exploit mismatches, but Memphis' help defense rotated quickly enough to neutralize this wrinkle.

The rebounding battle told the story of Memphis' physical dominance. The Grizzlies outrebounded New Orleans 52-41, including a 38-28 advantage on the defensive glass. This 11-rebound differential translated to fewer second-chance opportunities for the Pelicans and more transition opportunities for Memphis—exactly the game script Jenkins wanted.

New Orleans' Season Ends with Questions About the Future

For the Pelicans, this first-round exit raises significant questions about the franchise's direction. Despite Williamson's All-Star caliber season and the veteran presence of McCollum and Ingram, New Orleans couldn't advance past the first round for the third consecutive season. The core's inability to elevate in playoff moments will undoubtedly fuel offseason speculation about potential roster changes.

Brandon Ingram's 19 points on 7-of-18 shooting (38.9%) epitomized New Orleans' offensive struggles. The versatile forward, who averaged 24.3 points during the regular season, never found his rhythm against Memphis' switching defense. His three-point shooting (1-of-5) and free-throw attempts (just four) suggested a player who couldn't create the quality looks necessary for playoff success.

The Pelicans' bench was thoroughly outplayed, scoring just 22 points compared to Memphis' 31. Trey Murphy III, expected to provide perimeter shooting, went 2-of-7 from three-point range. Jose Alvarado's energy couldn't compensate for his offensive limitations (4 points on 2-of-6 shooting). When a team's starting five is being outplayed and the bench provides no relief, playoff series become unwinnable.

Memphis' Championship Credentials on Full Display

This closeout performance showcased why Memphis enters the second round as a legitimate championship contender. Their defensive rating of 104.8 points per 100 possessions in this series ranked second among all playoff teams, while their offensive rating of 116.3 demonstrated their ability to score efficiently against playoff-level defense.

The Grizzlies' depth will be crucial as they advance. Luke Kennard contributed 11 points off the bench, including two critical three-pointers in the fourth quarter. Xavier Tillman provided quality minutes as Jackson's backup, finishing with 6 points and 5 rebounds in 14 minutes. This depth allows Jenkins to keep his starters fresh and maintain defensive intensity throughout games.

Memphis' three-point shooting (14-of-32, 43.8%) was exceptional, particularly from their core players. When Morant, Bane, and Jackson are all shooting efficiently from beyond the arc, the Grizzlies become nearly impossible to defend. Their ability to space the floor while maintaining elite rim protection creates matchup nightmares for opponents.

The Grizzlies' turnover margin was also decisive. They committed just 11 turnovers compared to New Orleans' 16, a five-turnover differential that translated to approximately 10 additional points. In playoff basketball, where possessions are precious, this kind of ball security is championship-level execution.

Looking Ahead: Memphis' Path Through the Western Conference

As Memphis advances to the second round, they'll face either the Phoenix Suns or the Dallas Mavericks—both formidable opponents with their own championship aspirations. However, this Grizzlies team has demonstrated the defensive versatility, offensive firepower, and mental toughness necessary to compete with anyone in the Western Conference.

The key for Memphis will be maintaining their defensive identity while continuing to develop offensive chemistry. Morant's evolution as a decision-maker, Bane's consistency as a secondary scorer, and Jackson's two-way dominance give them a foundation that few teams can match. Add in Adams' physicality, their bench depth, and Jenkins' tactical acumen, and Memphis has all the ingredients for a deep playoff run.

The Western Conference remains wide open, with no clear favorite. But after this dominant closeout performance, the Memphis Grizzlies have announced themselves as a team that nobody wants to face. Their blend of youth, experience, and championship-level execution makes them dangerous in any seven-game series.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the Grizzlies vs. Pelicans Game 5?

The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 118-107 in Game 5, clinching the first-round playoff series 4-1. The victory secured Memphis' advancement to the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs and marked their most dominant playoff series performance of the season.

How did Ja Morant perform in the playoff clinching game?

Ja Morant delivered an outstanding performance with 35 points, 10 assists, and just 2 turnovers. He shot 13-of-23 from the field (56.5%) and 3-of-6 from three-point range, recording a plus-minus of +18. His fourth-quarter execution was particularly impressive, scoring 8 consecutive points during a crucial stretch that sealed the victory. Morant's ability to control tempo, make smart decisions, and elevate in crunch time showcased his growth as a playoff performer.

What was the key to Memphis' defensive success against Zion Williamson?

Memphis employed an aggressive double-team strategy whenever Zion Williamson received the ball within 15 feet of the basket. This forced him to make quick decisions and pass out of pressure, leading to 5 turnovers and disrupting his offensive rhythm. While Williamson still scored 28 points, he required 22 field goal attempts to reach that total and shot just 50% from the field. The Grizzlies' help defense rotated quickly to contest his passes, limiting the effectiveness of New Orleans' offense when Williamson was the primary option.

Who will the Memphis Grizzlies face in the second round?

The Memphis Grizzlies will face the winner of the Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks first-round series. Both potential opponents present unique challenges—Phoenix with their veteran championship experience and Dallas with their dynamic offensive firepower. Memphis' defensive versatility and balanced offensive attack position them well against either team, though the specific matchup will require tactical adjustments from head coach Taylor Jenkins.

What does this playoff exit mean for the New Orleans Pelicans' future?

This first-round exit marks the third consecutive season the Pelicans have failed to advance past the opening round, raising questions about the current roster construction and core group's ability to compete at the highest level. With Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, and CJ McCollum forming the foundation, the front office faces critical decisions about whether to make significant changes or continue building around this core. The team's inability to generate consistent bench production and their struggles against elite defensive teams like Memphis suggest that roster upgrades may be necessary for the Pelicans to take the next step as a franchise.