The Memphis Grizzlies edged out the Houston Rockets 120-119 on Thursday night, overcoming an early deficit and a controversial timeout call in the final seconds.
Desmond Bane led Memphis with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 21 points, including the go-ahead free throws with 8.6 seconds left. Luke Kennard added 21 points, and Santi Aldama finished with 15 as the Grizzlies secured their sixth win in seven games.
Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 25 points, while Dillon Brooks contributed 22 against his former team. Amen Thompson posted 21 points and seven rebounds, but Houston’s four-game winning streak came to an end.
Memphis (32-16) moved within half a game of Houston (32-15) for second place in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies also snapped a three-game losing streak against the Rockets this season.
Houston was without Alperen Sengun, who was ruled out with a left calf contusion after being named an All-Star reserve earlier in the day. Memphis played without Ja Morant, who missed the game due to right shoulder soreness.
The Rockets built an 11-point lead in the first half by capitalizing on their three-point shooting. They shot 40.6% from deep, with Green and Brooks combining for eight three-pointers. However, Memphis surged back in the second half, outscoring Houston 64-53.
A controversial moment occurred with 13 seconds remaining when Memphis’ Jaylen Wells drove for a potential go-ahead layup, only for official Marat Kogut to call a timeout. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins insisted he never requested one, appearing to motion for Wells to attack the rim instead.
Despite the stoppage, Jackson drove into the paint and drew a foul, sinking both free throws to give Memphis the lead. Houston had one last chance, but Brooks missed a contested jumper at the buzzer.
The Rockets dominated the offensive glass, grabbing 19 offensive rebounds and converting them into 30 second-chance points. However, they struggled to contain Memphis’ inside scoring, allowing the Grizzlies to shoot 51.6% from the field.
Kennard’s three-point shooting played a crucial role, as he connected on three of six attempts from beyond the arc. Bane’s all-around effort, including six assists, helped Memphis control the tempo down the stretch.
Thompson’s playmaking stood out for Houston, as he dished out four assists to complement his scoring and rebounding. Steven Adams contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds in his return to Memphis, while Tari Eason chipped in 13 points and 12 boards off the bench.
