Memphis Grizzlies 96, Houston Rockets 111: Quick Hits
Memphis Grizzlies (7-5) lose to the Houston Rockets (10-3), 111-96, costing them a sweep in the season series.
The Memphis Grizzlies went on to face the Houston Rockets for the third time in this short season. Though Wayne Selden and Ben McLemore returned from injury, they still didn’t have JaMychal Green in the starting lineup last night. In his place was Jarrell Martin alongside Conley, Gasol, Brooks, and Ennis.
In the first quarter, the Rockets win the tip and went on a 9-0 after hitting three triples, which was the start of a downfall for the Grizzlies. The team would catch up later in the first quarter as Marc Gasol landed the first bucket for the Grizzlies. Dillion Brooks hit the first 3 of the game, and the Grizzlies made a run of their own — scoring eight points in the paint. After multiple turnovers by both teams, Martin throws it down in the paint. The Rockets would knock down a couple 3’s, and the Grizzlies would go on a 12-2 run behind Chandler Parsons’ 3’s and Tyreke Evans points in the paint. They ended the first quarter down, 22-33.
The Grizzlies ran into foul trouble from the 3-point line as they gave up multiple three-shot fouls in the game. Mario Chalmers stole the ball and go coast-to-coast with the layup in the second quarter. Meanwhile, Eric Gordon went on a shooting spree knocking down 3 after 3. James Harden joined the 3-point barrage with multiple step-back 3’s. Ben McLemore threw down a dunk for his first points as a Grizzly, off a Dillon Brooks steal. Then, Chandler Parsons knocked down the 3 right in Nene’s face as the Grizzlies were closed the half down, 50-62.
The Rockets pull away after the third-quarter and cruised to victory. From there, the Rockets scored three after three as Harden came away with 38 points and Gordon with 26.
The Grizzlies fall to Houston 111-96.
Dave Fizdale on tonight’s game:
“They have pride over there and we had them 2-0 in the season series. So, I really expected them to come out hitting hard, so we tried to prepare for that. We had a few mental breakdowns there, but they are tough when they are making their shots like that. James (Harden) maybe hit three or maybe four step back 3’s that were contested and I really thought they got after us defensively. That really set the tone.”
Quick Hits:
- Mike Conley struggled from the field tonight only making four of his 11 baskets. However he made three of his four free throws. It wasn’t his best night as the Rockets kept playing strong defense.
- Marc Gasol was 6-15 from the field as he struggled offensively. His rebounding and defense kept the Grizzlies in the game.
- Tyreke Evans was a force last night as he came away with 22 points off the bench. He broke a franchise record for the most 20 point games off the bench.
- Chandler Parsons knocked down some 3’s to keep the Grizzles hope alive. He shot over 50 percent from the floor and from deep.
- James Harden and Eric Gordon scored a combined 64 points in the win, shooting 12-25 from deep.
Next: Key stats to Memphis' hot start
Up next
The Memphis Grizzlies will take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday at the BMO Bradley Harris Center. The game starts at 7:00 p.m.