Rockets Routed By Grizzlies, 0-2 On Current Five-Game Road Trip

The Houston Rockets ended their four-game regular-season series in a 151-114 loss to the Grizzlies.

MEMPHIS — The Houston Rockets have played the Memphis Grizzlies close all season. Despite trailing 3-0 in their four-game regular-season series, the Rockets dropped their previous three games by an average margin of 8.6 points.

But Friday night inside the FedExForum, the Grizzlies handed Houston one of their most embarrassing losses of the season in a 151-114 defeat.

Houston's performance in Game 2 of their mini-series in Memphis was a 180 from the competitive fight showcased Wednesday night.

Despite the final score, the Rockets jumped out to a solid start. Houston began the game on a 5-0 run. And a layup attempt made by Alperen Sengun extended their lead 7-2 with 10 minutes and 26 seconds left in the first quarter.

Memphis took the lead at 9-7 at the 8:51 mark of the period and never relinquished control. The Rockets had a tough time defending the Grizzlies' 3-point shooting, as they gave up six made triples within the first 12 minutes. 

The Rockets' inability to contain Memphis' hot shooting, combined with their offensive struggles, led to Houston trailing 83-52 by halftime.

Tari Eason finished the game with a team-high 21 points off the bench. Jabari Smith Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr. each added 20 points in the loss. 

Jalen Green, who came into the game averaging 29.3 points on 48.1 percent shooting from the field, finished with 13 points on 6-for-13 shooting.

Luke Kennard led the Grizzlies in their 3-point shooting against the Rockets. He connected on a career-best 10-made triples for a season-high 30 points. Desmond Bane finished shooting 5-for-7 from behind the arc for 25 points in the win. The Grizzlies finished the game nailing 25 3-point field goals in the win. 

Ja Morant came off the bench for the second consecutive game:

Ja Morant played in his second consecutive game following an eight-game suspension. He finished the night with 18 points (8-12 FG) and eight assists in the win.

Rockets lose four-game regular-season series vs. Grizzlies:

With the loss, the Rockets dropped their fourth and final game of the season against the Grizzlies, which finished in a 4-0 sweep for Memphis. 

Up Next:

The Rockets will continue their five-game road trip Sunday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Houston will then travel to New York to take on the Knicks Monday inside Madison Square Garden.

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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