The Houston Rockets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 128-108 on Friday night, overcoming a halftime deficit with a powerful third quarter to secure their first win of the season. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 22 points, while six other players scored in double figures, showcasing Houston’s balanced offense.
Houston trailed 65-59 at the half but surged in the third quarter, outscoring Memphis 39-18, led by Green and the efficient shooting of Fred VanVleet, who added 16 points. Alperen Sengun and Dillon Brooks both contributed solid performances, scoring 16 and 18 points, respectively, with Sengun grabbing 15 rebounds.
Houston’s control of the boards played a key role in the game’s outcome. The Rockets outrebounded the Grizzlies 64-43, with forward Jabari Smith Jr. leading with 16 boards alongside his 14 points. The Grizzlies missed starting center Jaren Jackson Jr., sidelined due to a left hamstring strain, leaving rookie Zach Edey to fill the void with 13 points and nine rebounds.
Ja Morant led Memphis with 24 points, shooting 8-of-17 from the field, while Desmond Bane added 17 points. The Grizzlies bench showed some promise with Scottie Pippen Jr. and Zach Edey both adding 13 points, but Memphis struggled with ball security, committing 19 turnovers that Houston converted into 29 points.
Houston’s shooting from beyond the arc highlighted their offensive progress, with the team hitting 17-of-43 for a 39.5% clip. Rookie Reed Sheppard contributed to the Rockets’ perimeter game, going 2-for-4 from deep, as Houston continues to improve its shooting from previous seasons.
