Studs and Duds from course-correcting road win over Houston Rockets

Mar 20, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Christian Wood (35) attempts to get a rebound away from Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams (4) during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Christian Wood (35) attempts to get a rebound away from Memphis Grizzlies center Steven Adams (4) during the first quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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Ziaire Williams, Memphis Grizzlies
Mar 20, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ziaire Williams (8) dunks the ball during the second quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies were able to cruise to a 122-98 victory over the rebuilding Houston Rockets in a March 20 matinee road game.

The Grizzlies were without the services of All-Star point guard Ja Morant for the game, who was sidelined while nursing a sore knee.

Things looked a little dicey for the first few minutes when Jaren Jackson Jr. committed two quick personal fouls and was sent to the bench only two or three minutes into the game.

Jackson, Steven Adams and back-up Brandon Clarke were in foul trouble for today’s game, committing a combined 15 fouls between the two big men.

Dillon Brooks recorded 20 points in the game, his highest output since he scored 37 Dec. 19 at Portland a couple of weeks before his injury occurred.

An important team note, the Grizzlies shot 82.4% from the free throw line in the game, marking just the 7th time in the past 35 games in which they’ve shot 80% or better from the line, per Basketball Reference. 

Memphis improves to 49-23 on the season while the Rockets fall to 17-54 this season.

The Grizzlies will have a couple of days to rest, recover and get ready for a highly anticipated nationally televised game on Wednesday, March 23 against Brooklyn.

The Grizzlies should be at full strength for the game and will have an opportunity to compete against Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and possibly Ben Simmons (?) on ESPN at 6:30 p.m. CT.

Let’s take a look at some of the key performers from today’s game against the Houston Rockets.