Rockets "finally woke up" to defeat Memphis, 128-108

POSTED: October 26, 2024 -- 8:25 a.m. CT

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- Friday night, the Houston Rockets trailed by as much as 12 points in the second quarter and by six points (65-59) at halftime; however, the Rockets awakened from their slumber and outscored the Memphis Grizzlies 69-43 in the second half to defeat Memphis, 128-108.

"We finally woke up and started to play", Ime Udoka, Rockets Head Coach said after the game. Coach Udoka was happy to see his players begin being more aggressive the final three minutes of the second quarter to trail by just six points at the half.

The Grizzlies attacked the Rockets in the paint and scored at will in the first half. Memphis outscored Houston 28-18 in the paint in the first half. Houston outscored Memphis 30-20 in the paint in the second half.

"Memphis was playing harder," Udoka said. "That was the simple message at halftime."

Houston (1-1) trailed Memphis (1-1) 76-67 with 7:24 remaining in the third quarter. Houston's Amen Thompson made 2 free throws to bring the Rockets within 7 (76-69) before assisting on a three-point basket by Dillon Brooks.

Jalen Green split 2 free throws then Jabari Smith Jr. scored a putback layup before Green capped off a steal by Brooks with a slam dunk to put Houston on top 77-76 with 5:27 on the clock in the third.The Rockets' run extended to 17-0 for an 84-76 lead with 3:58 remaining in the third period. Houston outscored Memphis 39-18 in the third quarter and led 98-83 after 36 minutes.

Memphis missed 19 of 24 field goal attempts (20.8 fg%) in the third period including 0 for 7 three-point attempts. Houston shot 52.0 fg% (13 for 25) and 3 for 6 (50.0%) from three in the third.

The Rockets' lead grew to as much as 22 points in the fourth quarter. Memphis did not get closer than 16 the final 5:26 of the ball game.

Houston outrebounded Memphis 64-43 after being outrebounded by 13 in the season opener vs. Charlotte. The Rockets were 25-15 when outrebounding opponents last season and Houston outrebounded the opposition by 20+ boards five times.

With the win tonight, the Rockets have taken four of the past five games against the Grizzlies since the start of last season.

NOTES:

Jabari Smith Jr. had 16 rebounds, including 6 offensive, while Alperen Sengun had 15 rebounds, including 5 offensive. The last time the Rockets had multiple players grab at least 15 rebounds and 5 offensive boards in the same game was when Clint Capela and P.J. Tucker did so vs. San Antonio on 12/22/18.

Jalen Green had a team-high 22 points along with 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. He is the first Rocket to have at least 50 points through the first two games of a season since James Harden and Christian Wood in 2020-21.

Memphis guard Ja Morant had a game-high 24 points in 24 minutes of play but recorded 2 assists with 6 turnovers. Tonight marked just the 10th time Morant recorded 2 or fewer assists in a game, with the last time coming at Oklahoma City on 12/17/22.

NEXT:

The Rockets' next game is Saturday, October 26, on the road, against the San Antonio Spurs. Tip is set for 7 p.m. Central Time.

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