NBA: Pelicans End Grizzlies' Undefeated Run

The last undefeated team in the NBA lost on Monday night.

New Orleans defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 135-134 in overtime at FedExForum. The result snapped Memphis's six-game winning streak, which had matched the best season-opening record in franchise history. Zion Williamson scored 25 points for the visitors, including nine in the extra period.

Memphis led by Ty Jerome, who finished with 40 points. He scored nine straight points in the final 1:43 of regulation to tie the game at 124. Jerome attempted a 15-foot shot as the clock expired but missed. Jeremiah Fears then sank two free throws with 7.3 seconds remaining in overtime to secure the win for New Orleans.

Karlo Matkovic posted a career-high 25 points for the Pelicans, matching Williamson's total. Derik Queen added 20 points. For Memphis, Cameron Boozer scored 18 and Jaylen Wells added 16. The Pelicans started the game without guard Dejounte Murray, who missed his third contest for personal reasons. Yves Missi and Jordan Poole were also absent due to injuries.

New Orleans maintained a lead for much of the second half. Memphis had previously outscored opponents in the fourth quarter by an average of eight points. However, the Grizzlies trailed 100-95 entering the final frame, a deficit reached only once before this season. The Pelicans forced six turnovers in the first half while Queen scored 18 points.

A physical altercation erupted at midcourt immediately after the final buzzer. Players from both squads engaged in a shouting match and required separation while still yelling at each other.

The Pelicans improve to 3-4 following the win. They face the Utah Jazz on Wednesday at the Smoothie King Center.