Two nights earlier in the FedExForum, the young and rebuilding Houston Rockets took the vaunted Memphis Grizzlies down to the wire in a closer-than-expected loss, 130-125. Friday’s rematch, however, was a much different story.
Rockets rookie Jabari Smith Jr. (20 points, 8 rebounds) continued the strongest month of his career by making 9-of-16 shots (56.3%), including 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50.0%). But that wasn’t anywhere near enough in a 151-114 loss (box score). Off the bench, fellow rookie Tari Eason chipped in with 21 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists on 9-of-13 shooting (69.2%), tying his career scoring high.
The Grizzlies sliced open Houston’s defense, repeatedly, shooting an astonishing 25-of-42 on 3-pointers (59.5%). Luke Kennard scored 30 points off the bench on 10-of-11 shooting from 3-point range (90.9%), while Desmond Bane added 25 points with five 3-pointers. Ja Morant had 18 points and 8 assists in just 19 minutes off the bench in his second game since returning from suspension.
For Kennard, it was the most 3-pointers made in a single game of his career, and it was the most by any player in Grizzlies history. Memphis’ 151 points was tied for the most allowed in Rockets history.
Kevin Porter Jr. added 20 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds for Houston on 7-of-12 shooting (58.3%). Jalen Green added 13 points and 5 assists on 6-of-14 shooting (42.9%). Houston’s backcourt duo combined to make only 1-of-5 on 3-pointers (20%), representing an unusually low volume total, and that wasn’t nearly enough to keep up on a night where the Grizzlies were red hot throughout.
With the win, Memphis (46-27) retains its spot at No. 2 in the Western Conference standings. Houston (18-56) remains in last place and has lost four straight since its recent three-game winning streak.
Scroll on for highlights, postgame interviews, and reaction by Houston’s fans and media members. Next up is a tough back-to-back on Sunday and Monday in Cleveland and New York, respectively, with tipoff of the opener versus the Cavaliers at 5 p.m. Central.
Highlights
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Analysis and Interviews
Embarrassing performance by the Rockets tonight, they flat out got steam rolled and offered no resistance whatsoever
— Abel (@AbelGe87) March 25, 2023
Jabari Smith Jr. has looked fantastic tonight.
Silver linings.
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) March 25, 2023
The Luke Kennard game. #Rockets https://t.co/TsMUj0CtiR
— Chris A. White 🐻 (@fyrebear) March 25, 2023
#Rockets ROOKIE TO ROOKIE@TAR13ASON TO @jabarismithjr @HoustonRockets vs Memphis Grizzlies pic.twitter.com/vupb2WLHdb
— AT&T SportsNet™ | SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) March 25, 2023
A Tari Eason that’s finishing layups off closeouts and in transition like this on high minutes is a first team all rookie player
— Apathetic (@ftank58) March 25, 2023
At least they're staggering KPJ and Jalen now
Silver linings i guess
— Paulo Alves (@PauloAlvesNBA) March 25, 2023
The rookies have been good tonight. Everything else has gone pretty terribly
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) March 25, 2023
Tyus Jones is the point guard we need that fits everyone
— Apathetic (@ftank58) March 25, 2023
That Jabari Smith finish was very nice. At least he's been balling, would love to see him more involved
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) March 25, 2023
Absolutely LOVE these Jabari Smith midrange shots! #Rockets
— Chris A. White 🐻 (@fyrebear) March 25, 2023
The Rockets gave up 83 God damn points in the first half, man. Idk what else to say
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) March 25, 2023
Hang on, everybody. Just 8 games left. We're almost there. pic.twitter.com/JmouEvAo9z
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) March 25, 2023
The Grizzlies are hitting some insane shots man. Have a game, Luke Kennard
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) March 25, 2023
LUKE KENNARD HAS 10 THREES 🤯
CAREER-HIGH. FRANCHISE RECORD.
Watch live on the NBA App
📺: https://t.co/1pomQZMAZK pic.twitter.com/CSV9RFBKio— NBA (@NBA) March 25, 2023
The #Rockets gave up 151 points tonight which is tied for the most points they’ve ever given up in a loss in franchise history.
They lost by 37. pic.twitter.com/gmkIsRIs5w
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) March 25, 2023
The Rockets give up 151 points in the loss to the Memphis Grizzlies…They regressed a lot defensively in this game…#Sarge #Rockets
— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) March 25, 2023
75-21 will be the final margin in which the #Rockets were outscored from the 3 point line.
— Don Dougan (@don_dougan) March 25, 2023
Jabari Smith Jr & Tari Eason’s development is cool to see 💪🏼 #rookies
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) March 25, 2023
Stephen Silas says the #Rockets have to stop complaining so much to the officials.
"Every time we go to the paint, it's like, "Oh, I can't believe I didn't get a foul call!' The more you do that, the more the referees aren't going to give you any calls."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) March 25, 2023
Just to put in perspective how bad that defensive performance was. Just downright awful.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) March 25, 2023
Jabari Smith Jr becomes the 4th youngest player in @NBA history to reach 500 career rebounds@jabarismithjr tonight vs Memphis
🏀20 PTS🏀8 REB🏀@HoustonRockets #Rockets pic.twitter.com/Jfr85PAd2j— AT&T SportsNet™ | SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) March 25, 2023
Horrible day for Houston basketball.
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) March 25, 2023
KPJ tonight vs Memphis
🚀20 PTS🚀7 AST🚀6 REB🚀2 STL🚀@HoustonRockets @Kevinporterjr #Rockets pic.twitter.com/OigRr2m3lO— AT&T SportsNet™ | SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) March 25, 2023
Tari Eason led the way tonight for the #Rockets @TAR13ASON vs Memphis
21 PTS / 9-13 FG / 4 REB / 3 AST@HoustonRockets on AT&T SportsNet pic.twitter.com/kVi00CZI6X— AT&T SportsNet™ | SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) March 25, 2023
#Rockets fall tonight in Memphis 151-114
Tari Eason led the way with 21 points and met with the media after the game
The @HoustonRockets road trip continues Sunday in Cleveland pic.twitter.com/x7SeWxlXvq
— AT&T SportsNet™ | SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) March 25, 2023
