The Memphis Grizzlies notched an impressive win over the Houston Rockets 120-119 on Thursday night in a TNT showcase for two teams that do not get enough love. Jaren Jackson Jr. was named an All-Star, but the Grizzlies are flying under the radar as the third seed in the West with the pieces to significantly upgrade their roster before the deadline. Houston is of a similar mold, but the Jan. 30 win was all about Memphis overcoming adversity.
The Grizzlies were without Ja Morant and fell behind early. They were down ten at halftime, but the franchise kept chipping away. After winning the third by six, it appeared the home team was gaining momentum. Memphis got within one before a quick 4-0 run put the Rockets up five with less than two minutes remaining. The Grizzlies were not done. They scored the final six to capture the impressive win.
They did not just defeat the loaded Rockets on Thursday night. They overcame a massive referee gaffe that could have cost them the game. It only made the win even more impressive.
Grizzlies defeat the Rockets and the referees in national TV showcase
Memphis was down one with 15 seconds remaining. Fred VanVleet shockingly fired a 3-pointer over Jaren Jackson Jr. as the shot clock wound down, which resulted in a Jaylen Wells rebound. The rookie immediately began pushing the ball and appeared to have a wide-open lane to the basket, but there was a whistle. The referee thought head coach Taylor Jenkins called a timeout, but that was not the case.
The coach was rightfully upset after the major error with just seconds remaining in a tight game. They are separated by just 0.5 game in the standings, so there were major implications. Mistakes like this cannot happen, but everyone is human. It was an error. Memphis certainly did not hang their heads. Dillon Brooks fouled JJJ, and the Grizzlies' All-Star made two free throws to win the game.
This was a crucial victory for Memphis. They did not have Morant or Marcus Smart, but it did not matter. Desmond Bane stepped up with 24 points, six assists, and 12 rebounds in 40 minutes to ensure the Grizzlies improved to 20-5 at home. After a disappointing loss to the Knicks on Monday night, this was just the bounce back the franchise needed.
The Memphis Grizzlies should be a feared playoff opponent. They have top-end talent, depth, and resiliency. It was on full display as they defeated the Rockets and the referees on Jan. 30. Expect the Grizzlies to keep things going. Fans hope they add at the deadline and can make a deep playoff run. Wins like this improve their case, and it is only up from here.