Did both teams still have the lead during the short Christmas break? Having not played since Saturday, they offered a rather painful spectacle in the first quarter, with a lot of waste: 3/19 at 3-pts, eleven balls lost in total… Fortunately, Desmond Bane scored 14 points to save the barracks in New Orleans against the Grizzlies who are in the lead (19-24).
But even if Memphis is in front, Ja Morant and his gang do not shine brightly. Especially the playmaker who, hesitant, is clumsy behind the arc. Result: the Pelicans regained color and regained control at the break (48-43). This was confirmed in the third quarter with the winning shots from CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram. New Orleans takes up to 14 points ahead (80-67).
In the fourth quarter, the two teams let go a little. The game is unbridled, it runs and there are quick baskets. Like those of Marcus Smart, back, who hits twice in a row at 3-points. Memphis' defense goes up a notch, the Pelicans make a series of bad choices and after several contested possessions with “challenges” in the final seconds, the Grizzlies snatch an overtime (103 all).
Five additional minutes where Jaren Jackson Jr., author of the free throw to go into overtime, scores twice and Ja Morant offers himself an alley-oop. The Pelicans' two 3-point baskets only serve to reduce the gap. The Grizzlies dominate these minutes and win 115-116.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Take out the axes. It wasn't the match of the year. There were a lot of lost balls (31), questionable choices in attack, then whistles (50!). Especially in overtime where the referees intervened almost constantly (eleven fouls in five minutes…), except for a few seconds. Memphis will then take the opportunity to make the difference. Nevertheless, we witnessed a contested and physical match, and above all hung on until the end. This allowed the pill to pass.
– Ja Morant still undefeated. The dream continues for the point guard and the Grizzlies. It's a fourth victory in a row and since the return of the All-Star, Memphis has not known defeat. The next two matches, in Denver and Los Angeles, against the Clippers, will be excellent tests to confirm the return to the forefront of the Tennessee franchise.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
