Key Highlights
- Zion Williamson had a strong debut with 27 points and multiple key plays.
- The Pelicans struggled to maintain their performance across all four quarters.
- Jeremiah Fears made an impressive NBA debut, scoring 17 points in his first game.
- Center depth is thin for the New Orleans Pelicans as injuries impact the team’s strategy.
The New Orleans Pelicans Struggle to Maintain Momentum
The New Orleans Pelicans faced a tough start to their 2025-26 NBA season, losing to the Memphis Grizzlies by a score of 128-122. Despite Zion Williamson’s stellar performance and Jeremiah Fears’ impressive debut, the Pelicans struggled to maintain their momentum throughout the game.
Coach Willie Green emphasized the importance of consistency in his post-game remarks, stating, “If we’re trying to win, we can’t have quarters like that.” The Pelicans led by as many as 15 points in the first half but were outscored 41-22 in the third quarter. This significant drop-off highlighted their inability to sustain their offensive and defensive efforts.
Jeremiah Fears: A Fearless Debut
New Orleans’ second-round draft pick, Jeremiah Fears, made his NBA debut a memorable one. Drafted with the No. 7 overall pick, Fears showcased his shooting ability and determination to succeed from the moment he entered the game. He finished the night with 17 points, tied for second most on the team.
Zion Williamson praised Fears’ performance, saying, “His name says it all.
The brother is fearless.” Fears’ impact on the court was not just limited to scoring; his ability to get to the basket and finish plays will be a significant asset for the Pelicans moving forward. However, Fears acknowledged that there’s room for improvement, stating, “I like to win and be on top of the league. I’ve got to go back home and get back in the gym.”
Center Position Challenges
The Pelicans faced a significant challenge at the center position with both Kevon Looney and Karlo Matkovic dealing with injuries. This left Yves Missi as one of the team’s primary centers, but he had to leave the game in the second half due to an injury. The absence of these key players highlighted the Pelicans’ thin center depth.
Coach Willie Green expressed concerns about the situation, noting that the team may be even thinner at the center position with Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs coming to town for their next game. This upcoming match against a formidable opponent will test the Pelicans’ ability to adapt and find solutions on the court.
3-Point Shooting Variability
The Pelicans struggled with their shooting accuracy, particularly from beyond the arc. In the first half, they made 7 of 18 three-pointers, leading by a score of 67-56. However, in the second half, their efficiency dropped significantly, making just 3 more treys and attempting only 9 more shots.
Key players like Trey Murphy and Saddiq Bey had off nights from beyond the arc, with Murphy making one of his six attempts and Bey converting just one out of five.
While this was an off night for these players, it underscores the importance of consistent shooting throughout the game to maintain a competitive edge.
The Pelicans face their next challenge on Friday when they host the San Antonio Spurs at Smoothie King Center. The team will need to build upon the lessons learned from this opener and address the issues highlighted in the game, particularly maintaining consistency across all four quarters and finding solutions for their thin center position.
