Quick Recap: Grizzlies Outlast Rockets 121-113, Stop Losing Streak

A home game against former Grizz Dillon Brooks and the Houston Rockets was just what Memphis needed to get back on their winning ways. The Grizzlies topped the Rockets 121-113 at FedEx Forum to end a 9 game losing skid. GG Jackson lead all scorers with 20 off the bench and finished 1 rebound shy of a double double. The Grizzlies, who led by 23 at one point, found a way to outlast the Rockets and secure the home dub.

First Quarter

Memphis jumped out to an early lead thanks to a hot start by Luke Kennard, who hit a 3 from the right lane of Poplar to put the home team up by 8 early in the first.

Luke would finish the first frame 3/4 from deep, only to be outpaced by GG’s 10. Shawn Coleman (@statsSAC) tweeted that the Grizzlies have only made 3 shots from 33+ feet since 2023 – 2 of them by Luke Kennard including his deep ball early tonight. GG, who had a perfect 2-2 from 3 start to the game, came back from his one game suspension like a man possessed. GG came off the bench with a hot hand and finished the first 4-5 from the field in the first quarter. Memphis led 36-21 at the end of the first, but unfortunately for Grizz fans, the first quarter is followed by the second.

Second Quarter

Stop me if you have heard this before, the Memphis Grizzlies built a commanding lead only to squander it by halftime. Turnover, missed free throws, and selfish basketball saw a 23 point lead dwindle down to 5 at one point. All of the 11 assists in the first quarter were for naught as the ball stopped and bad shots were taken the entire quarter. The highlight for Memphis was a high flying ally oop and-1 opportunity for Ziare who emphatically put 2 on the board for the home team.

Ugly basketball by Memphis was the theme of the second frame, however. The Grizzlies only had 5 assists and 3 turnovers in the frame. Just before the half GG, with an almost passing of the torch moment, let Dillon Brooks know who the new kid on the block was at 191 Beale with a monster block late in the half.

At the break Memphis hung on to a 9 point lead, 58-49.

Third Quarter

GG Jackson continued his campaign for a spot on the all-rookie team, despite not being on pace for the appropriate amount of games, with a game high 19 at the end of the third. GG added 9 boards to go with his impressive night and the Grizzlies were in a battle with the Rockets. Amen Thompson paced the visiting Houston Rockets with 14 points on 7-14 from the field at the end of the third frame, with Dillon Brooks adding 13 of his own in a return visit to FedEx Forum. Jaren had a quiet night early, with only 7 points through the third on 3-7 shooting, along with another rough night of fouls. Jaren, who is the lone superstar playing for the Grizzlies right now, continues to make poor decisions and gets himself in foul trouble more often than not. As he is maturing, this is an issue that you would hope would correct itself but alas, he found himself next to the coaching staff for much of the quarter. Lamar Stevens made his presences known tonight with 7 points through 3, 2 of which came on an emphatic dunk on Alperen Sengun.

Despite Trip’s rough night, the Grizzlies clung to a 3 point lead at the end of the third.

Fourth Quarter

In what has been unfriendly territory for the Memphis Grizzlies, once again a lead was squandered late in a game. Houston gave Memphis all they wanted down the stretch, taking a 2 point lead with less than 7 to go in the game. However, Memphis found some gas late, something they haven’t really done this calendar year, and pulled away for a big home win. GG Jackson paced all scorers with 20 on 8-15 shooting, finishing 1 rebound shy of a double double. Lamar Stevens also added 14 off the bench in a second impressive game for the newcomer to the 901. Jaren found his shot late, thankfully, adding 11 points in the 4th to finish the night with 18. Taylor Jenkins let Jaren play while in foul trouble and the decision paid off to get the win. Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, Aaron Holiday and Alperen Sengun all finished with 19 for the Rockets who fall to 24-30 on the season. Dillon and Amen Thompson both finished with double doubles in the losing effort.

Tonight was all about development. Once again, young players paced the Grizzlies on a night when Jaren did not have his best stuff. Think about this, right now the Grizzlies have one of the most shallow benches in the association. However, all these young bodies getting a lot of run this year will make the bench so much deeper and better as the championship window opens next year. The likes of GG, Vince Williams, Jr. (who had a quiet 14 points tonight), and maybe even Lamar Stevens could make a formidable second unit for years to come. These young players will come at a low price and allow the Grizzlies to stay relevant for years to come, as long as this injury bug goes away. The future is bright and tonight showed why as the young players paced Memphis to a much needed 8 point win.

Memphis takes on Milwaukee tomorrow, Thursday 2/15 at 7:30 pm on TNT.

Photo Credit: Brandon Dill, Associated Press