NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Herbert Jones scored a career-high 35 factors and the New Orleans Pelicans overcame a 19-point deficit to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 138-131 in time beyond regulation Wednesday evening and clinch a play-in spot.
Jones’ fast-break dunk capped a decisive 10-0 run to open the additional interval. The surge began with a pair of 3s by Trey Murphy III, who hit seven 3s within the recreation and completed with 30 factors.
The Pelicans mixed to hit 21 3s, together with 5 by Jones, who is understood extra as a defender than a scorer and was left large open on a number of of his perimeter baskets.
CJ McCullum hit six from deep and completed with 31 factors and 10 rebounds for New Orleans, whereas Brandon Ingram overcame a sluggish begin and hit a slew of clutch pictures to wind up with 24 factors and 13 rebounds.
The victory ensures the Pelicans no less than a top- 10 end within the Western Conference, ok to get into the play-in. The query is what seeding they will have after their remaining two video games.
Jaren Jackson Jr. had 40 factors, 9 rebounds and 4 blocks for Memphis, which led for many of regulation regardless of resting Ja Morant (left hip), Luke Kennard (proper ankle) and Xavier Tillman (proper ankle).
Despite these absences, Memphis surged in entrance by 19 late within the second quarter when Brooks hit a 10-foot turnaround fade to make it 69-50.
The Grizzlies led for many of regulation and have been up 101-89 within the fourth quarter when the Pelicans stunningly turned the sport on its head with a 22-6 run throughout which they made seven 3s — 4 by Murphy. That put New Orleans in entrance 111-107 and had the gang roaring and out of their seats as Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins known as timeout.
Ingram, who scored 10 within the final 3:39 of regulation, hit a 16-foot, pull-up jumper within the face of tight protection from Dillon Brooks to make it 123-118 with 14.3 seconds left, and Trey Murphy III made it 124-118 when he hit one among two free throws with 11 seconds to go.
Memphis then remarkably compelled time beyond regulation with a 6-0 run within the final 5 seconds, beginning with Brooks’ nook 3 as he was fouled by Jones.
Story continues
Brooks missed the free throw, apparently on objective in hopes of his staff getting a rebound, however New Orleans obtained it and known as timeout, solely to show the ball over on an offensive foul throughout and inbound.
New Orleans then fouled Desmond Bane on the dribble with 2.6 seconds left, and he hit one free throw earlier than purposely lacking the second. Jaren Jackson rebounded and was fouled as he tried to place the ball again up with 0.4 on the clock. Jackson hit two free throws to tie it at 124.
TIP-INS
Grizzlies: Brooks completed with 25 factors, whereas Bane had 24. Tyus Jones had 13 factors, 12 assists and 4 steals. … Outscored the Pelicans 70-34 within the paint and outrebounded New Orleans 49-44.
Pelicans: Had three gamers with 30 factors in a recreation for the primary time in franchise historical past. … Need another victory of their final two video games to complete with a successful common season document for the primary time since 2017-18, after they went 48-34. … Shot 50% (44 of 88), together with 21 of 39 (53.8%) from 3.
UP NEXT
Grizzlies: At Milwaukee on Friday evening.
Pelicans: Host New York on Friday evening.
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