Memphis did not have All-Star point guard Ja Morant in the lineup Tuesday, but the Grizzlies still brought plenty of quickness and aggressiveness to the Smoothie King Center hardwood. New Orleans experienced first-hand what many NBA teams have come to understand this season – even shorthanded, the Grizzlies are a formidable foe.
With Morant sidelined by an ankle injury, Memphis still took command in the first quarter, going up 37-27. The Southwest Division-leading Grizzlies maintained a double-figure advantage for much of Tuesday’s matchup, evening the season series with the Pelicans at one apiece.
IT WAS OVER WHEN…
On a career night for him in scoring, Memphis guard Tyus Jones pulled up and drained a three-pointer from the left wing, giving Memphis a 114-102 lead with just under three minutes remaining.