Rockets Fall To Grizzlies En Route To 11th Consecutive Loss
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HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets completed the back half of their two-game homestand Wednesday night in a 113-99 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Rockets' first-half performance gave a glimmer of hope that the team would win their first game since Feb. 1. But a 38-point third quarter by the Grizzlies terminated the dream.
The Rockets came out slow during the first quarter but found their rhythm in the second period. Behind K.J. Martin's 10 points, Houston outscored Memphis 25-22 during the second period. And after trailing by eight points, Houston's efforts led to a three-point deficit (47-44) at the half.
Martin finished the game with 19 points (8-12 FG, 2-5 3PT) and six rebounds. Jalen Green led the Rockets in scoring with 18 points (6-16 FG, 4-7 3PT).
The Rockets tried to carry their momentum into the second half, but the Grizzlies began to take control of the game. Memphis opened the period on a 17-9 run, which allowed the Grizzlies to go into the fourth quarter with an 85-68 lead.
Ja Morant had a subpar night 24 hours after his 39-point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers. He recorded a modest 20 points on 6-for-12 shooting, seven rebounds and seven assists. But the Grizzlies shared the scoring load on a night Morant played 26 minutes.
Memphis had three additional players who scored in double figures. Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 30 points on 12-for-17 shooting, 6-for-9 from behind the arc.
Kevin Porter Jr. returned from injury:
Kevin Porter Jr. made his long-awaited return to the lineup against the Grizzlies. As expected, Porter struggled in his return. He finished with 11 points on 3-for-11 shooting, to go along with five rebounds and two assists.
Porter missed 20 consecutive games due to a left toe contusion sustained on Jan. 11 against the Sacramento Kings.
Rockets dropped 11th consecutive game:
By falling to the Grizzlies, the Rockets have lost 11 straight games, their second-longest losing streak of the season. In their first meeting since Oct. 21, the Grizzlies hold a 2-0 regular-season series lead over Houston.
Up Next:
The Rockets will embark on a home-and-home series against the San Antonio Spurs, which starts Saturday night inside the AT&T Center. Houston will then complete their four-game regular season series in a home match against the Spurs on Sunday.
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