What started as a promising game in the first half turned into a nightmare in the second. With a final score of 103-96, the Memphis Grizzlies have lost their fourth consecutive game and second in the home-and-home set against the Houston Rockets.
Let’s get into it.
It was the return of former Grizzly Dillon Brooks to FedExForum for the first time since he was signed by the Rockets over the summer. A little serendipitous for the Canadian forward, who was originally drafted by Houston and immediately traded to the Grizzlies in 2017.
And in true fitting Dillon the Villain fashion, Brooks was the one who slammed the door on the Grizzlies, first, with a clutch three-pointer with 40 seconds remaining, and then with a steal on the next trip down the floor. Brooks finished the night with a season-high 26 points on 10 of 20 shooting.
It was a tale of two halves, with the Grizzlies competing in the first half only to come out in the second and get dog-walked by the Rockets. Again. They did not help themselves by keeping the ball secure, finishing the night with 18 turnovers that were converted into 16 points for Houston.
A combined 50 points from Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr could not overcome the hole the Grizzlies dug themselves into in the second half. Bane closed out with a game-high 28 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Jackson Jr finished with 22 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 blocks.
Vince Williams Jr put up 11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks.
Bismack Biyombo added 10 points and 9 rebounds.
From the second unit, Santi Aldama contributed 11 points and 4 rebounds, and David Roddy added 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists.
These are trying times for Grizzlies fans. One more game until the return of Ja Morant.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies are hitting the road for a two-game stretch and will face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, December 18th. Tip-off is at 7 PM CST.
