The Memphis Grizzlies have defied preseason expectations by securing a stunning six-game winning streak to open the 2026-27 NBA season. Despite entering the campaign as a likely bottom-tier contender following the trade of franchise cornerstone Ja Morant, the team has emerged as the league’s premier feel-good story. On Monday, the Grizzlies hosted the New Orleans Pelicans, who had won two consecutive games, in a match that remained fiercely contested through the first half. Memphis held a slim 62-59 lead at the break, setting the stage for a pivotal defensive sequence that highlighted their defensive intensity.
Key Match Highlights & Tactical Analysis
With approximately four minutes remaining in the second quarter, Zion Williamson isolated Cameron Boozer and drove to the rim, aiming to extend New Orleans’ lead to eight points. Isaiah Stewart, anchoring the Grizzlies’ paint, met Williamson’s challenge with a emphatic rejection that not only stopped the score but also shifted the momentum. After swatting the dunk attempt away, Stewart executed his signature “finger wag” celebration, a direct homage to Dikembe Mutombo’s iconic gesture, signaling the Grizzlies’ refusal to yield ground. The play served as a microcosm of Memphis’ defensive resilience, proving that their rebuild is built on grit as much as talent.
This defensive stand underscores the Grizzlies’ unexpected competitiveness against a Pelicans squad that has shown recent form. While New Orleans has won two straight, Memphis’ ability to execute high-pressure plays in critical moments suggests their six-game start is no fluke. As the Grizzlies look to claim a seventh victory, Stewart’s performance against Williamson highlights the team’s emerging identity: a disciplined, defensive-minded unit that can challenge elite talent. The finger wag was more than a celebration; it was a statement that Memphis is a legitimate force in the Western Conference this season.
Source: Yahoo Sports
