NBA: Memphis stay unbeaten as Pelicans finally open their account
Patterns are gradually emerging at the start of the 2026-2027 NBA season. Memphis maintain their perfect record after five games, while New Orleans waited until their fifth outing for a first win. Atlanta, for their part, also returned to winning ways in front of their home crowd.
Rieltony LOUBOKO · Author profile ·
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Cameron Boozer already makes history
The Grizzlies confirmed their excellent start to the campaign by beating Portland 124-103. Rookie Cameron Boozer stood out with a triple-double of 18 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists.
At 19 years and 103 days, the third pick in the Draft becomes the second-youngest player in NBA history to produce such a performance, behind Josh Giddey, who achieved the feat at 19 years and 84 days in 2022. The win keeps Memphis' perfect record of five wins from five games.
The night was a difficult one, however, for Ja Morant, now playing for Portland. Against his former team, the guard scored 14 points before leaving the floor in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury. The Trail Blazers thus suffered their first defeat of the season, despite 24 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists from Deni Avdija.
New Orleans finally break the deadlock
After four straight defeats, the Pelicans have finally got their season up and running. They beat Sacramento 132-120, thanks in particular to Jeremiah Fears, who put in an all-round display of 22 points, 13 assists and 8 rebounds.
This first win ends New Orleans' losing streak. At the other end, the Kings suffer a fifth consecutive defeat, despite 34 points and 14 assists from rookie Darius Acuff Jr.
Atlanta win the hard way
The Hawks also had their say on the night, getting the better of Cleveland 114-111. Their third quarter, in which they scored 43 points, weighed heavily on the outcome.
Onyeka Okongwu was the chief architect of the win with 29 points and 12 rebounds. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 25 points, while Aaron Wiggins scored 20 off the bench. Atlanta thus claim their first home win of the season. The Cavaliers had one last chance to get back into it, but Donovan Mitchell (22 points) missed two three-pointers that could have taken the game to overtime.
Among the teams still unbeaten, Memphis therefore continue their flawless run, alongside Houston, who also have five wins from five games.