Santi Aldama scored 20 points (10 in the second quarter), and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the New Orleans Pelicans 120-109 for their fifth straight win.
The Grizzlies took control with a 22-9 run bridging the second and third quarters and led by as many as 17.
Ja Morant had 27 points (20 in the paint), 7 assists and 3 steals, and Jaren Jackson Jr. added 23 points and 8 rebounds. The Grizzlies had 3 20-point scorers. Marcus Smart assisted on 5 of Jackson’s 9 baskets, 3 of them in the fourth quarter.
For the Pelicans, CJ McCollum scored 30 points, and Trey Murphy III added 21 points and 9 rebounds but shot 8 for 23. Dejounte Murray had 21 points and 6 assists. The Pelicans had 3 20-point scorers.
The Grizzlies shot 49.0% from the field to the Pelicans’ 41.8% and outscored them 46-14 off the bench. The Pelicans’ starters were outscored 38-24 in 14 minutes together.