The Grizzlies came out on fire against the Rockets and while Houston refused to fizzle out, they could not snatch victory away from Memphis at FedExForum on Saturday night.
Houston – winners of seven of their last eight coming into the game – got hit hard by an early Memphis barrage and ultimately fell to the Grizzlies 113-106. Memphis dominated the first quarter (40-29) leading by as many as 16 points at one point.
With star guard Ja Morant still out and several other players sidelined with injuries, the Grizzles got another dose of concerning news when it was determined center Jaren Jackson Jr. would be a no-go because of knee soreness.
Head coach Taylor Jenkins was having no part of being frustrated.
“It is not frustration; it is the unfortunate part of this sport,” said Jenkins. “You can never predict what is going to happen. With Jaren, we know he is going to be fine. We just wanted to give him an extra day of rest. I believe in our players. I believe in this team and the depth of this team.”
The Grizzlies did get some good pre-game news. Dillon Brooks was cleared from health and safety protocols and was back in the starting lineup against the Rockets. Brooks would have a season-high 25 points.
Desmond Bane, in the running for the league’s Most Improved Player, had 19 points and four rebounds. Center Steven Adams had six points and nine rebounds before leaving the game with an injured ankle.
Killian Tillie led the effort from the bench with 12 points.
“Different guys stepping up in different roles,” said Jenkins. “Santi (Aldama) had to step up for three minutes when we learned that Steven (Adams) wasn’t returning. X (Xavier Tillman) staying ready knowing he wasn’t a part of the rotation over the last couple of weeks. Killian had a great night for us. When you stay ready, this is the expectations we have. Our starters got us off to a great start.”
In the second quarter, the Grizzlies outscored the Rockets 23-18 and took a (63-47) lead into halftime. Houston, however, is not the same team that started the season with 15 straight losses.
“We’re more cohesive. We’ve learned a lot as far as what it takes to win. We’re learned a lot of lessons as far as being good in moments that are adverse,” said head coach Stephen Silas.
“When the score goes the other way, we hang in there.… We’re different. We changed the lineup. We have a little bit more shooting on the floor. We’re shooting more threes, playing a little bit faster and doing a few more things defensively. We were pretty bland last time we came here.”
The Rockets (8-18) did not give up at any point in the game, cutting the deficit down to five points (96-91) with 6:10 left in the game. The Grizzlies pushed back, answering every run by the Rockets.
Christian Woods finished with 22 points and 11 rebounds for Houston. Armoni Brooks had 18 points off the bench and 6 assists.
Next up for the Grizzlies (16-11) will be the final game on this homestand. They play Philadelphia on Monday (Dec. 13) at 7 p.m.
