The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 109-99, in an NBA seeding game on Orlando on Monday night.

The Pelicans (29-38) knew Monday's contest had high stakes with respect to their quest to keep their playoff hopes alive. Not only had New Orleans dropped their first two seeding games, but the Pels were also facing the team they're chasing for the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference in the Grizzlies (32-36). Coach Alvin Gentry's team got off to a good start by extending their four-point first-quarter lead to seven by halftime. Memphis was able to shave two points off their deficit in the third quarter before the Pelicans managed to close out the game on a 12-6 run over the final 3:41 to seal the much-needed victory. Ziion Williamson notably saw a sharp playing time increase after being limited in his first two games for conditioning reasons, logging 25 minutes and managing 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Jaren Jackson, Jr. led the way for the Grizzlies with 22 points, adding two rebounds, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Grayson Allen followed with a bench-leading 17 points, while Dillon Brooks offered 15 points, five boards and three assists. Jonas Valanciunas produced a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double that also included four blocks. Ja Morant finished with 11 points, eight assists and five rebounds.

Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 24 points, complementing them with seven boards, five assists and two steals. J.J. Redick poured in 16 points. Jrue Holiday and Josh Hart managed matching 15-point tallies while pulling down four and seven rebounds, respectively.

The Grizzlies are back in action against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday afternoon, while the Pelicans tangle with the Sacramento Kings on Thursday afternoon.