Zion Williamson scored 21 points (14 in the paint), and the New Orleans Pelicans closed the third quarter on a 20-2 run to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 114-106.
The Grizzlies led 74-73 when Derik Queen’s cutting layup put the Pelicans ahead for good with 5:20 left in the third quarter. Jose Alvarado made 3 3-pointers as they pulled away to a 93-76 lead after three quarters.
Queen had 22 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists on 8 for 12 shooting, and Saddiq Bey added 22 points (14 in the paint), 8 rebounds and 3 steals. The Pelicans had 3 20-point scorers. Queen assisted on 5 of Bey’s 9 baskets.
For the Grizzlies, Cam Spencer scored 16 points, and Jaren Jackson Jr. added 16 points, 9 rebounds and 6 steals but shot 6 for 19. The Grizzlies had 7 players in double-digit scoring.
The Pelicans shot 48.9% from the field to the Grizzlies’ 43.0% and outscored them 68-48 in the paint. The Grizzlies turned it over 20 times, about 5 more than usual for this many possessions.