Pelicans secure first win as Grizzlies extend perfect start in NBA roundup

The New Orleans Pelicans finally got their first victory of the NBA season on Thursday, defeating the Sacramento Kings 132-120 behind an impressive double-double from rookie Jeremiah Fears, who finished with 22 points and 13 assists.

The 20-year-old also contributed eight rebounds, four blocks and two steals, while Zion Williamson added 22 points. Seven Pelicans players reached double figures as New Orleans improved its record to 1-4.

“We’re not off to a great start, but we’re changing this thing around for sure,” Fears said after the game.

Despite the defeat, Sacramento rookie Darius Acuff Jr. delivered another outstanding performance. The seventh overall pick in June’s draft recorded 34 points and 14 assists, surpassing his previous career-high of 33 points, which he had set against Portland last week.

De’Andre Hunter and Precious Achiuwa contributed 24 points apiece for the Kings, but Sacramento slipped to 0-5, remaining one of the league’s two winless teams alongside the Brooklyn Nets (0-4).

Elsewhere, the Atlanta Hawks ended their three-game losing streak with a hard-fought 114-111 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Atlanta took control with an explosive 43-point third quarter before holding off a late Cleveland comeback to secure a much-needed home victory.

Onyeka Okongwu led the Hawks with 29 points and 12 rebounds, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 25 points. Aaron Wiggins also made an important contribution off the bench with 20 points.

For Cleveland, James Harden finished with 24 points after the Cavaliers had built a 15-point advantage in the second quarter. Donovan Mitchell added 22 points, including a driving layup that brought his team within 112-111 with just 20.6 seconds remaining.

However, Alexander-Walker converted two crucial free throws, while Mitchell missed two potential game-tying three-point attempts in the closing moments as Atlanta held on for the win.

Grizzlies Maintain Unbeaten Start Against Trail Blazers

In the night’s final matchup, the Memphis Grizzlies continued their impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign with a convincing 124-103 road victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

The contest also marked Ja Morant’s first meeting against Memphis since facing his former team. However, the Portland guard struggled to make a significant impact, finishing with 14 points, two rebounds and three assists.

Deni Avdija led the Trail Blazers with 24 points, but Portland struggled to keep pace with Memphis’ attacking intensity throughout the contest.

The Grizzlies were inspired by rookie Cameron Boozer, who produced an outstanding performance with 18 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists to record a triple-double. The achievement also made him the second-youngest player in NBA history to reach that milestone.

Memphis received plenty of support from across the roster, with every member of its starting five reaching double figures. Isaiah Stewart and Quentin Post also combined for 28 points off the bench.

The victory extended Memphis’ winning start to five games, keeping the Grizzlies unbeaten and firmly establishing them as one of the early surprises of the new NBA season.