The Houston Rockets triumphed over the Memphis Grizzlies 120-118 on Monday night at the Toyota Center. Memphis had a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, but the Rockets responded with a 16-2 run to take the lead and secure the victory. Jalen Green starred for Houston, matching his career-high with 42 points.
Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant led Memphis with 29 points but struggled in the second half, attempting just nine shots and shooting only 50% from the free throw line. Morant also had seven turnovers, including a critical one late in the game.
After the game, the former Rookie of the Year reflected on his performance, emphasizing the need for improvement in crunch-time situations. He acknowledged the importance of being more efficient and making better decisions in the final moments of the game to help his team secure victories.
“I gotta be better,” Morant bluntly told reporters after the game.
The Grizzlies committed 18 turnovers as a team, which the Rockets capitalized on, turning them into 27 points. Seventeen of those turnovers occurred in the final three quarters, as Houston’s aggressive defense forced deflections and steals, leading to easy fast break points.
Monday’s game marked Ja Morant’s third appearance since injuring his AC joint against the New Orleans Pelicans. The all-star guard took a tough screen from Pelicans’ center Daniel Theis and was ruled out for the remainder of that game.
Morant missed the following five games before making his return last Thursday against the Rockets. Houston has now beaten the Grizzlies three times this season, which could be important later in the year. Both teams are near the top of the Western Conference standings, and with this win, the Rockets have secured the season series.
Memphis will stay in Texas for their next two games, where they will face the San Antonio Spurs.
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