4 Takeaways from Memphis Grizzlies’ 105-97 Loss to Houston Rockets

MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 15: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 15, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - DECEMBER 15: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on December 15, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – MAY 17: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets talks to referee Tony Brothers #25 in Game Seven of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2015 NBA Playoffs on May 17, 2015 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – MAY 17: James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets talks to referee Tony Brothers #25 in Game Seven of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Los Angeles Clippers during the 2015 NBA Playoffs on May 17, 2015 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

“Oh, Brother!”

Fans of the Memphis Grizzlies cringe when they see Tony Brothers on the officiating crew schedule. To make matters worse, the free-throw lord known as James Harden was the main course with a side of Brothers’ officiating on Saturday evening.

Fresh off a 50-point triple-double performance, Harden has been on fire this season despite the Houston Rockets’ mediocre team record. Over the past couple of weeks, the Rockets have been on a slight surge through the Western Conference rankings. After collecting a victory against Memphis, they stand in the 12th spot in the West, but just 1.0 games behind the seventh-seeded Grizzlies.

James Harden is the NBA’s reigning Most Valuable Player, and the officiating crew treated him as such in the Grindhouse. His teammates are also getting the special treatment.

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In the first half, Memphis’ MarShon Brooks stepped toward Chris Paul to play defense as a Rockets pick was being set. The whistle blew immediately prior to any type of contact being made between the two players.

Seconds later, MarShon was placed onto James Harden. Again, before even breathing on Harden, the whistle blew. It was a second personal foul called on Brooks.

Whether you believe it or not, the NBA’s top superstars receive favoritism from the NBA refs. That is fine. It is understandable. The majority of hoops fans are paying to see these stars, and it is officials’ human nature to give the advantage to superstars over the likes of lesser-known players and/or rookies.

However, on Saturday night, the whistle was blown on multiple occasions prior to contact being initiated. Tony Brothers and company should have at least waited for the play to get into motion, and then call the foul once some form of contact was made.

Though it seemed as if the foul and free-throw advantage was largely in favor of the road team, Memphis was called for the same amount of fouls (22) as the Houston Rockets, though the Grizzlies shot eight less free-throws. Harden accounted for 13 of Houston’s free attempts, making 11.

Had the Memphis Grizzlies been more aggressive in the first half, where they dug themselves into a 21-point deficit, perhaps more attempts at the charity stripe would have been achieved.