Ty Jerome scored 40, but Memphis lost its first game of the season in overtime after Jeremiah Fears made two free throws with seven seconds left. The record is still 6-1, good for the second seed, and the cost is one slot in the standings.
How did the 6-0 start end?
It ended in a game that never settled. The lead changed hands 16 times, the score was tied eight times, and regulation closed 124-124. In overtime Zion Williamson scored nine of the Pelicans' 11 points, while Jerome had eight of Memphis's 10. Jerome's free throw put Memphis up 134-133 with 18 seconds left. Jaylen Wells then fouled Fears, who made both free throws.
Who earned a grade and who did not?
Jerome gets an A: 40 points on 14-of-22 shooting and 5-of-6 from three, with four turnovers and a missed 14-foot pullup at the buzzer. Isaiah Stewart gets an A-minus for 14 points on 6-of-10 in 28 minutes, the best plus-minus on the floor at plus-9. Cameron Boozer gets a B: 18 points, nine rebounds and five assists, but 5-of-11 shooting and minus-2 in 38 minutes.
Where did the game slip away?
Overtime decided it, but the margin was thin all night. Memphis's starters scored 90 and the bench 44. GG Jackson was minus-13 in 16 minutes and Zach Edey minus-10 in 19. Kris Murray, in the closing group for the last five minutes of regulation, finished minus-6 in 20 minutes. Cedric Coward was the steadier side, plus-8 with 10 points and nine rebounds in 31 minutes.
What does one loss change in the West?
Very little. Memphis is 6-1 and second in the West, with a streak that now reads L1. The Grizzlies are three games ahead of the 11th spot, and sixth-place San Antonio sits at 5-2. Nothing about the schedule explains the loss: Memphis had a day of rest and plays again in two days. This was a game lost on the last possession, not a slide.
What comes next for Memphis?
The Pacers visit Nov. 4, and our odds give Memphis a 75 percent shot there. Then comes Oklahoma City on Nov. 6 in the Emirates NBA Cup, where the Thunder rate as the favorite at 71 percent. After that the Grizzlies play at Toronto, host Denver, and visit New Orleans on Nov. 13. Post's right ankle and Pippen's back are both listed out with a return date of Nov. 4.
What was the score of the Grizzlies-Pelicans game?
New Orleans won 135-134 in overtime, ending Memphis's 6-0 start. Ty Jerome led all scorers with 40 points.
Where are the Grizzlies in the West after the loss?
Memphis is 6-1 and holds the second seed, three games ahead of 11th place.
