Winners and losers: Memphis Grizzlies’ blowout over New Orleans Pelicans highlights bench strength

Bench provides a major lift

Memphis’ reserves supplied 76 points, shooting 21-for-36 overall and 13-for-21 from beyond the arc. Their production made them a key part of the victory. Jerami Grant remained steady, while Cam Spencer contributed another quality outing. Taylor Hendricks also delivered useful minutes with Zach Edey unavailable due to injury management. GG Jackson scored 14 points and pulled down six rebounds, a boost as his playing time has recently declined.

Ball movement improves chances

The Grizzlies finished with 35 assists, and their offense produced better looks when players moved the ball and found kick-outs after drives instead of relying on isolation plays. Ty Jerome contributed with his passing, not his scoring. He recorded a season-high nine assists, after posting five or fewer in each of his previous six games.

Grant and Coward continue strong play

Cedric Coward had 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists. His defense also remained solid, building on improvements as both an on-ball and help-side defender during his second season.

Grant scored 22 points on 7-for-10 shooting and made three three-pointers. The report describes him as a dependable, adaptable contributor for Memphis.

Bey again scores against Memphis

Saddiq Bey scored 30 points on 11-for-20 shooting and made several difficult three-pointers off movement. His recent scoring against the Grizzlies includes 18, 22 and 36 points in his three previous games against them.

Memphis entered the game second in the NBA in three-point percentage at 38.9 percent, behind the Golden State Warriors. The Grizzlies shot 40 percent from long range against New Orleans.