MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In an impressive performance, Ja Morant scored 27 points and facilitated seven assists, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a commanding 120-109 victory over the shorthanded New Orleans Pelicans in an NBA Cup game on Friday night.

Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed significantly as well, putting up 23 points and securing eight rebounds. Santi Aldama shined with a remarkable shooting performance, scoring 20 points on 8 of 9 shooting from the field.

CJ McCollum was the standout for the Pelicans, scoring 30 points, while both Dejounte Murray and Trey Murphy chipped in with 21 points each. Despite their efforts, New Orleans struggled as the team faced injury setbacks, marking their seventh consecutive loss and leaving them with only one win in their last 13 matches.

The Pelicans were notably depleted, missing top scorers Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, along with additional key players Herbert Jones and Jose Alvarado due to injuries.

**Key Takeaways**
The Pelicans, relying heavily on their backcourt, saw Murray stepping up after a disappointing 26-point loss to Toronto earlier in the week. He, alongside McCollum and Murphy, formed a solid trio, although rookie Yves Missi was the only other player to reach double digits, finishing with 16 points.

The Grizzlies, on the other hand, had a solid rotation as 11 players logged significant minutes. Memphis had previously scored 72 bench points in their last matchup against Detroit and was quickly approaching that mark by halftime.

**Turning Point**