MEMPHIS, Tennessee — Zion Williamson took charge in overtime as the New Orleans Pelicans dealt the Memphis Grizzlies their first loss of the 2026-27 NBA season with a nail-biting 135-134 victory Monday night (Tuesday in the Philippines).
Williamson scored nine of his 25 points in the extra period before Jeremiah Fears buried two clutch free throws with 7.3 seconds remaining to secure the Pelicans’ third straight victory and improve their record to 3-4.
Karlo Matkovic matched Williamson’s 25-point output with a career-high performance, while Derik Queen contributed 20 points, Trey Murphy III added 18, and Fears finished with 12.
Ty Jerome erupted for 40 points for Memphis but missed a potential game-winning 15-footer in the closing seconds. Cameron Boozer chipped in 18 points and Jaylen Wells had 16.
The Grizzlies, who entered the contest unbeaten, dropped to 6-1, slipping behind the Western Conference-leading Houston Rockets (7-1), who defeated the Boston Celtics, 109-93.
New Orleans carried a 100-95 lead into the fourth quarter before Jerome sparked Memphis’ comeback, scoring nine consecutive points in the final 1:43 of regulation to force a 124-all deadlock and overtime.
Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings finally broke into the win column after six consecutive defeats, beating the shorthanded Dallas Mavericks, 115-100, in Dallas.
Rookie Darius Acuff Jr. spearheaded Sacramento with 25 points, supported by Malik Monk’s 24 and Zach LaVine’s 23, as the Kings became the NBA’s last team to register a victory this season.
Daniel Gafford and Walter Clayton Jr. scored 20 points apiece for Dallas, while Cooper Flagg managed 17 despite shooting just 3-of-19 from the field. Flagg converted all 11 of his free throws.
The Mavericks (4-3) played without Kyrie Irving, who rested his left knee, and injured players Santi Aldama, Derek Lively II and rookie Sergio de Larrea.
In other games, the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Denver Nuggets, 118-110; San Antonio Spurs routed the Utah Jazz, 119-97; New York Knicks beat the Brooklyn Nets, 103-90; and Philadelphia 76ers downed the Chicago Bulls, 126-107.
The Oklahoma City Thunder edged the Cleveland Cavaliers, 117-112; Detroit Pistons crushed the Charlotte Hornets, 124-91; Washington Wizards upset the Orlando Magic, 103-94; Atlanta Hawks survived the Indiana Pacers, 108-104; and Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 112-100./PN
