Evans, Gasol lead Grizzlies over Pelicans 105-102
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -- Tyreke Evans scored 28 points, including a pair of free throws with 5.9 seconds left that helped the Memphis Grizzlies beat the New Orleans Pelicans 105-102 on Wednesday night.
Marc Gasol finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds for Memphis while JaMychal Green contributed 20 points and 14 rebounds.
After Evans' foul shots, the Pelicans had a chance for a tie, but E'Twaun Moore's 3-point attempt from the left wing bounced off the front of the rim.
DeMarcus Cousins had 29 points and eight rebounds. Moore had 16 points and Rajon Rondo had 14.
Cousins was 2 of 10 from the field entering the fourth, but scored 14 points in the final quarter. He hit a trio of 3s as the Pelicans overcame an 11-point deficit.
Evans made four free throws in the final 61 seconds.
The Pelicans' problems were prominent in the third quarter when they scored a mere nine points -- a season low for any quarter -- making only four of their 14 shots and missing all four free throw attempts.
That allowed Memphis, which scored just 17 points in the quarter, to take a 77-70 lead heading to the fourth.
TIP-INS
Pelicans: F Anthony Davis did not play after injuring his right ankle Monday against the Pistons. . New Orleans signed G DeAndre Liggins to a 10-day contract earlier Wednesday. The addition of Liggins gives New Orleans five former Kentucky Wildcats on its roster. ... Cousins has reached double figures in every Pelicans game this season. ... New Orleans was hindered by making only 23 of 34 free throws, including 5 of 8 in the fourth
Grizzlies: Memphis had not played since Friday. The four-day span was the longest break of the season outside of the All-Star break. ... G Andrew Harrison, who missed the last game with a left shoulder injury, returned against New Orleans and started. He finished with 11 points. .... Gasol hit all five of his shots in the first half. ... Green recorded his third double-double of the season.
UP NEXT
Pelicans: Host Portland on Friday
Grizzlies: Travel to Denver to face the Nuggets on Friday.
