Grizzlies Dominate Pelicans: Playoff Hopes Alive?

Grizzlies Dismantle Pelicans in Statement Series: Are Memphis's Playoff Hopes Legitimate?

The Memphis Grizzlies didn't just defeat the New Orleans Pelicans in their late-March 2026 series—they delivered a comprehensive tactical masterclass that has forced the entire Western Conference to recalibrate their playoff projections. The 4-1 series victory wasn't merely about winning games; it was about demonstrating organizational resilience, tactical evolution, and the kind of championship DNA that separates contenders from pretenders.

With this dominant performance, Memphis improved to 44-28 on the season, positioning themselves firmly in the sixth seed with ten games remaining in the regular season. More importantly, they've now won eight of their last ten games, establishing the kind of momentum that can carry a team deep into the postseason. The Pelicans, meanwhile, dropped to 40-32, clinging to the eighth seed and facing an increasingly difficult path to playoff security.

Game-by-Game Breakdown: How Memphis Seized Control

Game 1: Overtime Thriller Sets the Tone (118-115 Memphis)

The series opener at FedExForum established the narrative that would define the next two weeks. Desmond Bane erupted for 32 points on 11-of-21 shooting, including a clutch three-pointer with 47 seconds remaining in regulation that forced overtime. But the underlying numbers told an even more compelling story: Memphis won the rebounding battle 52-44, generated 18 second-chance points compared to New Orleans's nine, and forced 16 turnovers that translated into 22 points.

Zion Williamson finished with 28 points and 11 rebounds, but his efficiency suffered under Memphis's defensive scheme. The Grizzlies deployed a "wall" strategy, packing the paint with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams while daring Williamson to beat them from mid-range. He shot just 11-of-24 from the field, and critically, the Pelicans managed only four assists on his 11 made baskets—evidence that Memphis successfully isolated him from New Orleans's offensive flow.

Game 2: Pelicans' Lone Victory Exposes Memphis Vulnerabilities (109-105 New Orleans)

New Orleans's Game 2 victory at home revealed the blueprint for challenging Memphis, even if they ultimately couldn't execute it consistently. CJ McCollum orchestrated a balanced attack with 24 points and 9 assists, exploiting Memphis's aggressive pick-and-roll coverage by finding open shooters. The Pelicans shot 14-of-32 from three-point range (43.8%), with Trey Murphy III contributing 19 points off the bench on 5-of-8 shooting from deep.

The critical difference? New Orleans won the turnover battle decisively, committing just 9 compared to Memphis's 17. Brandon Ingram, who had been relatively quiet in Game 1, found his rhythm with 22 points on efficient 9-of-16 shooting. However, this performance would prove to be an outlier rather than a sustainable pattern.

Game 3: Ja Morant's Return Changes Everything (104-91 Memphis)

The series fundamentally shifted when Ja Morant returned from his knee injury in Game 3. Playing just 26 minutes on a carefully managed restriction, Morant scored 18 points, dished 7 assists, and most importantly, generated a +17 plus-minus rating—the highest of any player in the game. His presence transformed Memphis's offensive spacing and defensive intensity.

The statistical impact was undeniable: Memphis's offensive rating jumped from 112.3 in Games 1-2 to 118.7 with Morant on the floor in Game 3. The Grizzlies pushed the pace relentlessly, averaging 1.09 points per possession in transition compared to just 0.87 for New Orleans. Steven Adams dominated the glass with 8 offensive rebounds, and the Grizzlies converted those second chances into 19 points.

New Orleans shot a dismal 38.2% from the field and turned the ball over 18 times. The Pelicans' half-court offense stagnated against Memphis's switching defense, managing just 0.89 points per possession in the half-court—well below the league average of 0.97.

Game 4: Defensive Masterpiece Puts Memphis in Control (98-87 Memphis)

Game 4 showcased Memphis's defensive versatility and tactical discipline. Taylor Jenkins deployed a variety of defensive schemes, switching between drop coverage, aggressive hedging, and even some zone looks to keep New Orleans off-balance. The result? The Pelicans shot just 40.4% from the field and a catastrophic 6-of-29 (20.7%) from three-point range.

Jaren Jackson Jr. was magnificent, recording 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks while defending multiple positions. His ability to protect the rim while also stepping out to contest perimeter shots proved invaluable. Jackson Jr. held his primary defensive assignments to 7-of-21 shooting (33.3%), according to tracking data.

Willie Green's decision to start Trey Murphy III in place of Herbert Jones backfired. While Murphy provided spacing, the Pelicans sacrificed defensive versatility and physicality. Memphis attacked the smaller lineup relentlessly, with Adams and Jackson Jr. combining for 23 rebounds and 14 second-chance points.

Game 5: Closeout Performance Signals Championship Mentality (112-99 Memphis)

The series finale demonstrated Memphis's maturity and killer instinct. Rather than allowing New Orleans to extend the series with a desperate home victory, the Grizzlies delivered a comprehensive performance that left no doubt about the superior team. Desmond Bane scored 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting, Morant added 21 points and 9 assists in 29 minutes, and Jackson Jr. contributed 20 points with 3 blocks.

Memphis shot 51.2% from the field and assisted on 28 of their 42 made baskets—a 66.7% assist rate that reflected beautiful ball movement and unselfish play. The Grizzlies' bench outscored New Orleans's reserves 38-22, with Luke Kennard providing crucial three-point shooting (4-of-6 from deep) and Santi Aldama contributing energy and versatility.

Tactical Adjustments That Defined the Series

Memphis's Pace-and-Space Evolution

Taylor Jenkins made a critical adjustment after Game 2, recognizing that Memphis needed to push tempo even more aggressively. The Grizzlies increased their pace from 101.2 possessions per 48 minutes in Games 1-2 to 105.8 in Games 3-5. This acceleration played directly into Memphis's strengths: Morant's transition playmaking, Bane's ability to run off screens in semi-transition, and Jackson Jr.'s rim-running.

The numbers validate this strategic shift. Memphis scored 1.21 points per possession in transition during Games 3-5 compared to 1.04 in the first two games. New Orleans, built more for half-court execution with Williamson's post-ups and McCollum's pick-and-roll orchestration, struggled to match Memphis's frenetic pace and suffered defensive breakdowns in transition.

The Steven Adams Factor: Old-School Dominance

Steven Adams's impact transcended traditional statistics. While he averaged just 8.2 points per game in the series, his 11.4 rebounds per game—including 4.6 offensive boards—created a massive advantage. Adams grabbed 23 offensive rebounds across the five games, directly leading to 31 second-chance points for Memphis.

More subtly, Adams's screening freed up Memphis's perimeter players for high-quality looks. According to tracking data, Grizzlies shooters averaged 1.8 feet of separation on catch-and-shoot attempts when Adams set the screen, compared to 1.2 feet with other screeners. His physical presence also deterred New Orleans from attacking the paint aggressively, with Pelicans players shooting just 58.3% at the rim when Adams was on the floor—well below the league average of 64.7%.

Defensive Scheme: Neutralizing Zion Williamson

Memphis's defensive game plan for Zion Williamson deserves particular attention. Rather than allowing him to establish deep post position or attack downhill in transition, the Grizzlies employed a "catch-and-contain" strategy. They forced Williamson to catch the ball 18-20 feet from the basket, then immediately sent a hard double-team from the weak side.

The results were striking: Williamson averaged 22.4 points on 47.8% shooting in the series—respectable numbers, but below his season averages of 26.8 points on 58.2% shooting. More tellingly, he averaged just 2.2 assists per game as Memphis's aggressive doubles forced him into difficult passing situations. The Pelicans managed just 0.91 points per possession when Williamson touched the ball in the post, compared to 1.08 during the regular season.

Individual Performances: Stars and Surprises

Jaren Jackson Jr.: The Series MVP

While Ja Morant's return captured headlines, Jaren Jackson Jr. was arguably the series' most valuable player. He averaged 23.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks while shooting 48.9% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range. His defensive versatility allowed Memphis to switch across multiple positions without sacrificing rim protection.

Jackson Jr.'s offensive evolution has been remarkable. He's no longer just a floor-spacing big man; he's developed a sophisticated mid-range game and improved his decision-making in pick-and-roll situations. Against New Orleans, he shot 12-of-21 (57.1%) from mid-range and made smart reads when the Pelicans sent help defenders, averaging 3.4 assists per game—well above his season average of 2.1.

Desmond Bane: The Steady Hand

Bane's performance validated his status as Memphis's most reliable scorer. He averaged 26.8 points on 49.2% shooting from the field and 42.9% from three-point range. More impressively, he shot 51.7% on contested catch-and-shoot attempts, demonstrating his ability to create separation and maintain shooting form under pressure.

Bane's off-ball movement was exceptional, averaging 2.8 miles per game according to tracking data—the most of any player in the series. His constant motion forced New Orleans's defenders to chase him through multiple screens, creating fatigue and defensive breakdowns that Memphis exploited ruthlessly.

CJ McCollum's Struggles Define Pelicans' Shortcomings

CJ McCollum's disappointing series encapsulated New Orleans's broader struggles. He averaged just 16.2 points on 39.1% shooting from the field and 31.6% from three-point range—well below his season marks of 22.4 points on 46.8% and 38.9%, respectively. Memphis's aggressive pick-and-roll coverage, featuring hard hedges from Jackson Jr. and Adams, disrupted McCollum's rhythm and forced him into difficult mid-range attempts.

McCollum's assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.4:1 reflected his struggles as a playmaker under pressure. Memphis's switching defense eliminated many of his favorite actions, and when he did create advantages, the Grizzlies' help defense rotated quickly enough to contest shots or force kick-outs to less dangerous shooters.

Playoff Implications: Can Memphis Make a Deep Run?

This series victory raises a legitimate question: Are the Grizzlies genuine championship contenders, or simply a dangerous first-round opponent? The answer likely depends on Ja Morant's health and the team's ability to maintain their defensive intensity over a grueling playoff schedule.

Memphis's defensive rating of 108.4 during the series—holding New Orleans to just 99.4 points per 100 possessions—suggests they can compete with anyone when locked in. Their switching scheme, anchored by Jackson Jr.'s rim protection and versatile wing defenders like Dillon Brooks, creates matchup problems for even elite offenses.

However, concerns remain. Memphis's three-point shooting remains inconsistent; they shot just 35.2% from deep in the series, and outside of Bane and Kennard, they lack reliable floor-spacing threats. Against teams like Denver, Phoenix, or the Lakers—all potential playoff opponents—this could prove problematic.

The Western Conference playoff picture now features Memphis as a legitimate dark horse. If they secure the sixth seed, they'd likely face the third-seeded Sacramento Kings in the first round—a favorable matchup given Sacramento's defensive vulnerabilities. A potential second-round matchup against Denver or Phoenix would test Memphis's championship mettle, but this series proved they have the defensive foundation and star power to compete.

What's Next for New Orleans?

The Pelicans face a critical ten-game stretch to close the regular season. At 40-32, they're just one game ahead of the ninth-seeded Warriors and two games ahead of the tenth-seeded Mavericks. A collapse could force them into the play-in tournament, where anything can happen.

More concerning than their playoff positioning are the fundamental questions this series exposed. Can Zion Williamson be the best player on a championship team if opponents can neutralize him with aggressive double-teams? Does CJ McCollum have enough left in the tank to be a reliable second option? Can Willie Green make the tactical adjustments necessary to compete with elite coaching staffs?

New Orleans's front office faces difficult decisions this offseason. Their core of Williamson, Ingram, and McCollum has proven capable of regular-season success but hasn't demonstrated the ability to elevate in high-stakes situations. The supporting cast lacks the shooting and defensive versatility necessary to compete with the West's elite teams.

The Broader Western Conference Context

Memphis's resurgence complicates an already chaotic Western Conference playoff race. The top seed remains up for grabs between Denver, Phoenix, and the Lakers, while seeds 4-10 are separated by just five games. Every remaining game carries enormous implications for playoff seeding and matchups.

For teams hoping to avoid Memphis in the first round, this series served as a warning. The Grizzlies possess the defensive versatility, star power, and coaching acumen to upset higher-seeded opponents. Their combination of Morant's playmaking, Bane's scoring, and Jackson Jr.'s two-way dominance creates matchup problems that few teams can solve consistently.

The Lakers, currently sitting in the fourth seed, would particularly prefer to avoid Memphis. Los Angeles's aging roster and defensive limitations make them vulnerable to Memphis's pace-and-space attack. Similarly, the Clippers—if they fall to the fifth seed—would face a difficult matchup against Memphis's switching defense and transition game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ja Morant fully healthy, and how will his minutes be managed going forward?

Ja Morant is not yet at 100% health following his knee injury, but he's progressing well. In the series against New Orleans, he played between 26-29 minutes per game on a carefully managed restriction. Taylor Jenkins has indicated that Morant's minutes will gradually increase as the regular season concludes, with the goal of having him at full strength for the playoffs. The Grizzlies' medical staff is taking a conservative approach, prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains. Expect Morant to play 30-32 minutes per game in the final regular season stretch, with full playoff minutes (36-38 per game) once the postseason begins. His health is the single most important factor in Memphis's championship aspirations.

Can the Grizzlies' defense sustain this level of performance against elite offenses like Denver or Phoenix?

Memphis's defensive performance against New Orleans was impressive, but Denver and Phoenix present different challenges. The Nuggets' two-man game between Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray is nearly impossible to stop consistently, and Phoenix's offensive versatility with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal creates matchup nightmares. However, Memphis's switching defense and Jaren Jackson Jr.'s rim protection give them a fighting chance. The key will be limiting transition opportunities—both Denver and Phoenix excel in semi-transition—and forcing those teams into contested half-court possessions. Memphis's defensive rating of 112.8 against top-10 offenses this season suggests they can compete, but they'll need near-perfect execution to win a seven-game series against the West's elite.

What adjustments should the Pelicans make to avoid missing the playoffs entirely?

New Orleans needs to simplify their offense and lean more heavily on Zion Williamson's strengths. Rather than forcing him into post-ups against set defenses, Willie Green should emphasize early offense and transition opportunities where Williamson can attack before defenses establish position. The Pelicans should also consider starting Herbert Jones over Trey Murphy III to improve their defensive versatility and physicality. Offensively, they need more ball movement—their 22.4 assists per game in the Memphis series was well below their season average of 26.8. Finally, CJ McCollum must rediscover his shooting touch; the Pelicans simply cannot survive with their second-leading scorer shooting below 40% from the field. Their remaining schedule includes winnable games against Portland, San Antonio, and Houston, but they'll need to take care of business to avoid the play-in tournament.

How does Jaren Jackson Jr. compare to other elite two-way big men in the league?

Jaren Jackson Jr. has established himself as one of the NBA's premier two-way centers, joining the conversation with players like Anthony Davis, Bam Adebayo, and Evan Mobley. His unique combination of rim protection (averaging 2.8 blocks per game this season) and perimeter shooting (37.2% from three-point range) makes him exceptionally valuable in modern NBA schemes. Unlike traditional centers, Jackson Jr. can switch onto guards and wings without creating defensive liabilities, while his shooting gravity spaces the floor for Ja Morant's drives. His defensive versatility allows Memphis to play multiple schemes—drop coverage, switching, or aggressive hedging—depending on the opponent. At just 26 years old, Jackson Jr. is entering his prime and could be a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate next season if he maintains this level of performance.

What are the realistic championship odds for Memphis if they make the playoffs as the sixth seed?

Memphis's championship odds as the sixth seed are slim but not impossible. They'd likely face Sacramento in the first round (favorable matchup), then potentially Denver or Phoenix in the second round (extremely difficult), and would need to navigate through the Lakers, Clippers, or Suns in the Conference Finals. Realistically, Memphis's ceiling is probably the Western Conference Finals, where their lack of playoff experience and depth would likely be exposed in a seven-game series against a championship-caliber team. However, if Ja Morant returns to his All-NBA form, Jaren Jackson Jr. continues his dominant two-way play, and Desmond Bane maintains his scoring efficiency, Memphis could absolutely win a first-round series and potentially upset a higher seed in round two. Their defensive foundation gives them a puncher's chance against anyone, but sustaining that level of intensity over four playoff rounds would require near-perfect health and execution. Vegas currently has Memphis at approximately 18-1 odds to win the championship—long odds, but not prohibitive for a team with their talent and momentum.