Pelicans Survive 4th Quarter Collapse To Become First Team To Beat Grizzlies

The New Orleans Pelicans continue their win streak with a massive 135-134 overtime victory over the previously undefeated Memphis Grizzlies. This is their third straight win and moves them to 3-4 for the year.

After surrendering another late lead (nine points with under five to go) the Pelicans finally closed out a late one after two incredibly clutch free throws from Jeremiah Fears and a great defensive possession from Trey Murphy to close out overtime. It was very needed, avoiding another crushing loss.

This team still has so much to learn about closing out a game. There was a crucial mistake made late in this game. Those who watched it should know immediately.

Herb Jones checked out of this game with 7:58 left and didn't get back in until 2:11 left in overtime. It seems similar to something that happened earlier this year, as Mosley was never able to fit him back into the game until late.

From the time that Jones checked out to the time that he got back in, Memphis point guard Ty Jerome had 14 points. Nine of those came in the final two minutes to force overtime. Jones only played for about a minute, but helped force a turnover. When Jones left again, Jerome scored five more points and gave the Grizzlies the lead again. The Memphis point guard finished with 40 points.

Eventually, the Pelicans are going to need to trust Jeremiah Fears in this moment. Jerome is a veteran on a good team, though, and got the best of him on offense. Fears redeemed himself with his clutch free throws after what was a frustrating night. For now, though, New Orleans needs Jones on the floor in close games. 

Of course, the end of the game ended up burying the fun part of this night, as Karlo Matkovic ended up having a career night. The loss of Yves Missi could have been destructive to this team, but Matkovic has been a fantastic starting center for this team. He had a career-high 25 points with six rebounds, two steals, a block and shot 5-of-8 from three.

It feels weird to phrase it like this, given that he's a sophomore, but this also felt like a vintage Derik Queen performance. It was a game like the best of his rookie season. His finesse was showing on both sides of the floor as he held up against a bigger and stronger front court. Queen had an efficient 20 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block.

Zion Williamson was huge on defense and had 11 rebounds. Murphy got hot. The team had just eight turnovers, had more offensive rebounds and picked up 21 points off Grizzlies turnovers.

The Pelicans will be off on Tuesday before going back home for a rematch with the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.