For Ja Morant, it was his first head-to-head win over his former AAU teammate and fellow South Carolinian Zion Williamson, as the Grizzlies cruised past the Pelicans 132-111 at FedexForum Friday night.
The 23-year-old was excited about being on the floor with Williamson. “It’s exciting man, two guys from South Carolina — where most don’t make it out — and live out their dream, playing basketball at the highest level. We’re able to provide, not only for ourselves, but for our families.”
Morant went on to say, “It’s big time. I know we both enjoy it, and being out there on the court together is even better. He’s a special talent, obviously. We’re not used to playing against each other; it’s still good, always room for praying he has a very healthy career, being able to showcase his talent at the highest level, being 100 percent.”
Morant finished with his fourth double-double of the season by tallying 23 points and 11 assists.
Was it the most complete game of the season for Memphis? Grizzlies head Taylor Jenkins thought so. “It’s definitely up there – super proud of the group,” Jenkins said after the game. “The Pelicans are always a tough matchup for us.”
Yes, the Pelicans have been a tough matchup, particularly when Williamson is available. Memphis is now 1-5 against New Orleans when Williamson is on the floor.
Jenkins added, “I thought our first quarter defensive activity, the ball movement, the pace we were playing with … Ja set a tone, Dillon [Brooks] set a tone, Steven [Adams] set a tone. Those guys were great on both sides.”
“I thought our defensive activity was great,” Jenkins concluded. “We held them to 48 points in the first half, knowing that they were going to come out and make a run. We just exploded more in the third quarter. Definitely a really solid win by our group. A lot of guys contributed tonight on both ends.”
That would include Brooks, who had a spectacular night, particularly defending Williamson, who only scored 14 points in 30 minutes of play. Brooks harassed Williamson and had him out of sync most of the game.
“That plays more into my defense and physicality – trying to meet him before the rim,” said Brooks about guarding Williamson. “He finds ways to jump over you, get by you. And I just try to keep him to his right hand mostly … make him finish with his right hand. That’s the matchup.”
Brooks led all scorers with 25 points, going 8-of-15 from the field. He also had four assists.
After being listed as questionable due to a non-Covid illness, Adams was available, made his presence known early, and nabbed his sixth double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Jaren Jackson, Jr. was in foul trouble early, but it didn’t stop him from having a productive game. He finished with 20 points on 6-of-7 shooting and three blocks.
Jenkins was pleased with Jackson’s play: “[It’s] more about JJ just doing what he’s great at. Being super active, drives, pick-and-rolls, post-up situations. Just unleashing him to protect our paint with that activity.”
“I thought he did a great job,” Jenkins continued. “Three blocks tonight, but [he] altered a lot with the emphasis of them trying to get to the paint. Whether it was with Zion [Williamson] or Jonas [Valanciunas] … I think he did a great job.”
Up Next
The Grizzlies head to Madison Square Garden to take on the Knicks, looking to take the season series 2-0. Tip-off: Sunday, November 27th at 5 p.m. CT.
