The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 115-110, at Smoothie King Center on Monday night.

The Grizzlies (35-33) came into the contest looking to continue securing their final postseason positioning, but the opposing Pelicans (31-38) were also highly motivated to try and remain alive for a play-in spot, despite missing their two biggest stars in Zion Williamson (finger) and Brandon Ingram (ankle). Memphis was the more efficient squad in the first half, extending a five-point first-quarter lead to a 12-point advantage by halftime. That cushion wouldn't be enough to hold off New Orleans during the visitors' dominant 29-15 third quarter, but a 15-6 run for the home squad within the final period was key to their successful comeback.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Pelicans with 18 points, complementing them with six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Willy Hernangomez supplied 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists. James Johnson and Jaxson Hayes generated matching 13-point tallies, with Johnson also recording seven rebounds and five assists. Naji Marshall and Lonzo Ball posted 12 points apiece while adding 11 and eight rebounds, respectively. Eric Bledsoe furnished 11 points, five rebounds, five assists, one steal and one block.

Dillon Brooks paced the Grizzlies with 23 points, supplementing them with four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double that also included two assists and five blocks. Kyle Anderson contributed 14 points, four rebounds, four assists and four blocks. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson poured in 12 points each, with Jackson also recording seven rebounds and four blocks and Morant handing out 12 assists.

The Pelicans remain on the road and visit the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, while the Grizzlies remain home and host the Mavericks on Tuesday night.