New Orleans Pelicans Defeat Memphis Grizzlies 111-104 in Season Opener

CJ McCollum scores 24 points while Ja Morant misses game due to 25-game suspension, marking a strong start for the Pelicans as all starters score in double figures.

CJ McCollum led the New Orleans Pelicans to victory with 24 points in a game where all five starters scored in double figures.
Despite a game-high 31 points from Desmond Bane, the Memphis Grizzlies were defeated 111-104 in the absence of Ja Morant who was serving a 25-game suspension.
New Orleans outscored Memphis 32-19 in the second quarter to take a 10-point lead into halftime, which they sustained for the remainder of the game.
Zion Williamson scored 12 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter to prevent a Memphis comeback.
Despite committing 21 turnovers, the Pelicans held a dominant rebounding advantage at 52-37, attributed to the injuries across the Memphis frontline.