The Grizzlies’ Third-Quarter Explosion: How Memphis Outmuscled the Pelicans in a Season Opener for the Ages

October 25, 2023 — The FedExForum erupted like a volcano in the third quarter. One moment, the Pelicans were clinging to a halftime lead. The next? The Grizzlies had flipped the script with a 40-point barrage that left New Orleans gasping. This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Here’s how Memphis turned the tide in their 2023-24 season opener, and what it means for the NBA’s most relentless young squad.

Why This Game Mattered More Than Just “1-0”

The NBA season opener isn’t just about ticking the win column. It’s about identity. For the Grizzlies, a team built on grit, defense, and Ja Morant’s electrifying playmaking, this game was a chance to answer two burning questions:

• Could they shake off last season’s playoff heartbreak? (Spoiler: Yes, with interest.)
• Had the Pelicans’ offseason upgrades—hello, CJ McCollum and a healthier Zion—actually closed the gap? (Not yet.)

But here’s the kicker: No team in the NBA feasts on momentum swings like Memphis. Their third-quarter dominance (outscoring New Orleans 40-22) wasn’t luck. It was a masterclass in pacing, defense, and Ja Morant’s ability to turn a game into his personal highlight reel. More on that later.

The Anatomy of a 40-Point Quarter: How Memphis Blew the Doors Off

Let’s rewind to halftime. The Pelicans led 58-56, and Zion Williamson (16 points in the first half) looked like a man on a mission. Then the third quarter happened. Here’s the breakdown:

1. The Defensive Switch Flip (0:00–6:00)

The Grizzlies started the half with a full-court press—not their usual style, but a gamble that paid off. New Orleans, known for their transition game, suddenly looked rattled. Three straight turnovers later, Memphis had a 6-0 run. Key stat: The Pelicans committed 8 turnovers in the quarter, leading to 14 Grizzlies points.

Coach Taylor Jenkins’ move? “We wanted to disrupt their rhythm. Zion’s a monster in the half-court, but if we speed him up, he’s human.”

2. Ja Morant’s “Video Game Mode” (6:00–9:00)

With the score tied at 64, Morant took over. Over a three-minute stretch, he:

• Drained a step-back three over Herb Jones.
• Threaded a no-look pass to Jaren Jackson Jr. for a dunk.
• Stripped CJ McCollum, then finished with a finger-roll layup in traffic.

Result: A 12-2 run and a Pelicans timeout. Morant’s line for the quarter? 14 points, 3 assists, 2 steals. As analyst Jalen Rose tweeted: “Ja just put the whole league on notice. Again.”

3. The Bench Mob’s Knockout Punch (9:00–12:00)

Here’s where Memphis’ depth shined. While the Pelicans’ second unit struggled, the Grizzlies’ bench—led by Tyus Jones (8 points, 0 turnovers) and Brandon Clarke (6 points, 3 rebounds)—extended the lead to 16. Clarke’s alley-oop dunk over Larry Nance Jr. was the exclamation point.

Why it worked: New Orleans’ bench was outscored 22-8 in the quarter. That’s not a gap; that’s a canyon.

By the Numbers: The Stats That Tell the Story

Third quarters decide games. Here’s how Memphis made it count:

• 40 points: Most by the Grizzlies in a quarter since 2021 (also vs. Pelicans, ironically).
• 68.2% shooting: They missed just 5 shots in the quarter.
• +18 rebound margin: Memphis crashed the glass (15 offensive rebounds total).
• Zion’s disappearance: Williamson scored 0 points in the third after 16 in the first half.

As ESPN’s Tim MacMahon noted: “The Grizzlies didn’t just outplay the Pelicans—they out-toughed them. That’s been their M.O. for years.”

What This Means for the Grizzlies’ Season

✅ The Good: A Blueprint for Success

1. Ja Morant is still the NBA’s most unstoppable force in transition. His ability to turn defense into offense (see: those 2 steals → 5 points) is unmatched.

2. The defense is elite—when they want it to be. Holding a team to 22 points in a quarter with Zion on the floor? That’s championship-caliber.

3. Depth wins games. Six Grizzlies scored in the third quarter. Six. That’s a luxury few teams have.

⚠️ The Concerns: Don’t Get Too High

Yes, it was a dominant win. But:

• The Pelicans were without Brandon Ingram (suspended). His scoring could’ve changed the game.
• Zion’s conditioning is still a question mark. He faded late—will that happen in April?
• Memphis’ three-point shooting (35% on the night) needs to improve. They can’t rely on mid-range jumpers forever.

How the Pelicans Can Bounce Back (And Why They Will)

New Orleans isn’t doomed. Far from it. Here’s their path forward:

1. Fix the turnovers. 18 total (11 in the second half) is unacceptable. CJ McCollum (5 TOVs) must protect the ball better.
2. Feed Zion in the post. He’s unstoppable there, but only got 4 touches in the third quarter.
3. Bench production. Trey Murphy III and Nance Jr. combined for 6 points. That won’t cut it.

Silver lining: This was one game. The Pelicans’ talent is undeniable, and coach Willie Green will adjust. Expect a revenge game when these teams meet again on November 15.

A Beginner’s Guide to Watching Grizzlies Basketball (Because You’re Hooked Now)

New to the Grizzlies? Welcome to the most exciting team in the NBA. Here’s how to enjoy the ride:

🔥 The Must-Watch Players

• Ja Morant: The human highlight reel. Watch for his floaters, no-look passes, and clutch steals.
• Jaren Jackson Jr.: The Defensive Player of the Year candidate. His block parties are legendary.
• Desmond Bane: The three-point sniper. If he’s open, it’s going in.
• Dillon Brooks: The villain. Love him or hate him, he’s the team’s emotional leader.

📊 Key Stats to Track

Forget box scores. Focus on these:

• Fast-break points: Memphis thrives in transition. If they’re over 20, they’re winning.
• Opponent turnovers: Their defense forces 15+ per game. Chaotic? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.
• Ja’s free throws: When he’s attacking the rim (and drawing fouls), the Grizzlies are unstoppable.

🎟️ How to Watch

Don’t miss these games:

• Oct 28 vs. Lakers: Ja vs. LeBron—need we say more?
• Nov 2 vs. Warriors: A rematch of last year’s playoff thriller.
• Dec 23 vs. Bucks: Giannis vs. JJJ in a battle of MVP candidates.

Pro tip: Follow @memgrizz on Twitter for real-time highlights. Their social team is the best in the league.

Expert Takes: What the Analysts Are Saying

“The Grizzlies’ third quarter was a clinic in modern NBA basketball. They combined defensive intensity with transition offense in a way only Golden State and Denver can match.” — Zach Lowe, ESPN

“Ja Morant is the only player in the league who can single-handedly change a game’s momentum in two possessions. That’s why he’s a top-5 player.” — Shams Charania, The Athletic

“The Pelicans will be fine, but they need to figure out their closing lineups. You can’t have Zion and CJ on the bench in crunch time.” — Rachel Nichols, NBA on TNT

What’s Next? 3 Storylines to Watch

1. Can Memphis Stay Healthy?

Injuries derailed their playoff run last year. With Steven Adams (knee) already sidelined, depth is key.

2. Will the Pelicans Trade for a Point Guard?

CJ McCollum is a scorer, not a true floor general. Could they target Fred VanVleet or Kyle Lowry?

3. Is Ja Morant an MVP Candidate?

If he keeps up this pace (28 PPG, 8 APG in the opener), absolutely. But he’ll need to cut down on turnovers (5 vs. NO).

Final Thought: Why This Game Was a Microcosm of the NBA’s Future

The Grizzlies-Pelicans opener wasn’t just a game—it was a preview of the next decade. Young, athletic teams with superstar talent (Ja, Zion) and deep rosters. No more “waiting for the Warriors to decline.” The league is wide open, and Memphis just served notice: They’re here to stay.

So, what’s next? If you’re a Grizzlies fan, enjoy the ride. If you’re a Pelicans fan, don’t panic—this team is one tweak away from being scary. And if you’re just a basketball fan? Buckle up. The 2023-24 season is going to be wild.

Your Turn: Join the Conversation

What stood out to you in the Grizzlies’ opener? Think the Pelicans can bounce back? Drop your takes in the comments below!

And if you loved this breakdown, don’t miss our other NBA deep dives:

• Related: How the Nuggets’ Defense Can Repeat as Champions
• Best NBA Young Cores: Ranking the Next Dynasty Teams

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