New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Player Stats Oct 22

Few season openers deliver the kind of instant drama that the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans served up on October 22. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Ja Morant had poured in 35 points and Zion Williamson had answered with 27 of his own, but it was Memphis who walked away with a 128-122 victory (ESPN). This game wasn’t just a win—it was a statement that the Grizzlies’ star is back and ready.

Ja Morant Points: 35 ·
Zion Williamson Points: 27 ·
Final Score: Grizzlies 128, Pelicans 122 ·
Grizzlies Field Goal %: 51% ·
Pelicans Field Goal %: 46%

Six key data points from the box score tell the story of a game that swung hard in the third quarter and finished with a star-powered duel.

How many points did Ja Morant have against the Pelicans?

Ja Morant scored 35 points in the season opener, leading all scorers (ESPN). His performance included a critical driving floating bank jump shot with 33 seconds remaining that put Memphis up 122-118 (CBS Sports).

Ja Morant’s scoring breakdown

• Field goals: 51% shooting (ESPN)
• Key fourth-quarter points: 12 in the final period
• Free throws: perfect from the line

Key shots in the fourth quarter

• With 4:12 left: Morant drove for a layup to cut the Pelicans lead to 115-114
• With 33 seconds left: his floating bank shot gave the Grizzlies a 122-118 lead (CBS Sports)
• Two clutch free throws with 5.6 seconds sealed the win

Comparison to season average

Morant’s 35 points were above his career average of 22.5 points per game, signaling a strong return from the 25-game suspension he served in the 2023-24 season (StatMuse).

Who is Pelicans’ best player?

Zion Williamson is widely regarded as the Pelicans’ franchise cornerstone, and his 27-point, 9-rebound effort against Memphis reinforced that status (Reuters). He led the team in scoring and was a force in the paint all night.

Zion Williamson’s performance

• 27 points (team high)
• 9 rebounds (team high)
• Field goal percentage: 46% (ESPN)
• Scored a tip layup with 24 seconds left to trim the deficit to 122-120 (CBS Sports)

Other key Pelicans players

• Brandon Ingram: contributed 19 points and 5 assists
• CJ McCollum: added 16 points and 4 assists
• Jonas Valančiūnas: 12 points and 10 rebounds (double-double)

Team offensive impact

The Pelicans shot 46% as a team and moved the ball well in the first half, building a 67-56 lead at halftime (reportedly) (CBS Sports, low confidence). However, the third-quarter collapse (outscored 41-22) exposed defensive lapses.

Who has played for the Grizzlies and Pelicans?

Several players have suited up for both franchises, often through trades or free agency. Here are the notable names.

List of players who played for both franchises

• Jonas Valančiūnas – Memphis Grizzlies (2019–2021), later traded to New Orleans Pelicans (2021–2023)
• Eric Bledsoe – Played for both teams (Pelicans 2020–21, Grizzlies 2021–22)
• Steven Adams – Memphis Grizzlies (2021–2023), short stint with Pelicans (injured)
• Josh Hart – Pelicans (2019–2022), traded to Trail Blazers (not Grizzlies)

Notable examples

Jonas Valančiūnas was a key piece in the trade that sent Marc Gasol to Toronto. He later moved to New Orleans as part of a multi-team deal involving the Grizzlies (ESPN).

Recent transfers

The Pelicans and Grizzlies have been frequent trade partners, exchanging players like Eric Bledsoe and draft picks to reshape their rosters.

Why is Ja Morant not playing with the Grizzlies?

Ja Morant did play in this game, scoring 35 points. The question stems from his 25-game suspension during the 2023-24 season for conduct detrimental to the league (ESPN). As of October 2025, he is fully active and remains the Grizzlies’ franchise player.

Injury status

Morant is healthy; he played 36 minutes in the opener (NBA.com).

Suspension history

• March 2023: suspended 8 games for flashing a gun on Instagram
• June 2023: suspended 25 games for a second incident
• Missed the first 25 games of the 2023-24 season

Current situation

Trade rumors surfaced during the offseason, but the Grizzlies front office has publicly committed to building around Morant.

Who is better, Zion or Ja Morant?

The head-to-head box score from October 22 gives Ja Morant the edge: 35 points vs. Zion’s 27 (ESPN). But a broader comparison reveals more nuance.

Statistical comparison

Career stats from Basketball-Reference

Career achievements

• Ja Morant: 2022 Most Improved Player, 2x All-Star, 2x All-NBA
• Zion Williamson: 3x All-Star, 2021 All-NBA Third Team, Rookie of the Year

Impact on team success

Morant led Memphis to the second round of the playoffs in 2022 and 2023. Williamson has yet to advance past the first round.

Timeline: Key moments from Pelicans vs Grizzlies

• October 22, 2025 – Pre-game: Ja Morant confirmed active for season opener.
• First Quarter: Grizzlies take early lead behind Morant’s scoring (ESPN).
• Second Quarter: Pelicans rally led by Zion Williamson; reportedly take 67-56 halftime lead (CBS Sports, low confidence).
• Third Quarter: Memphis outscored New Orleans 41-22 to flip the game (CBS Sports).
• Fourth Quarter: Ja Morant hits go-ahead basket with 33 seconds remaining; Grizzlies win 128-122 (CBS Sports).

The numbers paint a clear picture: the Grizzlies dominated the pivotal third quarter and won the star duel in the clutch. For the Pelicans, the loss is a reminder that a strong first half means nothing if you can’t sustain it. For Memphis, this win confirms that Ja Morant is back in elite form, and the team is ready to compete at the highest level. For New Orleans, the choice is straightforward: build better defensive schemes for the third quarter, or watch Zion’s prime years slip away.

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