Rockets vs. Grizzlies Takeaways: K.J. Martin Motivated By Jaren Jackson Jr.'s Physicality
MEMPHIS — The Houston Rockets opened their five-game road trip in a 130-125 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night. Here are three takeaways from the Rockets' defeat inside FedExForum.
Jaren Jackson Jr. brought out the best in K.J. Martin:
Jaren Jackson Jr. came three points shy of a 40-point night, but his season-high was enough for the Rockets to begin their road trip on a disappointing note.
Jackson scored 37 points on 14-for-20 shooting. He got into a rhythm early by scoring down on the low post. But coach Stephen Silas noticed Houston's defense allowed Jackson to play to his offensive strengths.
"He was playing a lot of one-on-one, which made it harder to scheme," Silas said. "He was able to get to his left hand and get to the rim. We have to make sure that going into the next game, we know what his strengths are and make sure he plays to his weakness."
Silas noted the physicality Jackson played with made it difficult for the Rockets to defend. His physical play led to him dominating the glass with 10 rebounds. But K.J. Martin matched Jackson's intensity to keep Houston competitive.
Martin finished the night with a career-best 31 points on 12-for-18 shooting, 2-for-5 from behind the arc and six rebounds. Martin said he was able to open up his game due to Jackson setting an early physical tone.
"They are a physical team, and I like to play physical," Martin said. "The refs let us play through a lot of stuff, and I am fine with that. I know how physical he is. Jaren is a great shot blocker, so I tried to attack his chest every time while finishing above the rim."
Jalen Green is becoming more of an efficient scorer:
Jalen Green led the Rockets on the night with a game-high 32 points. Green scored 30 or more points for the 13th time this season. But against the Grizzlies, he had one of his most efficient scoring performances by shooting 10-for-18 from the field, 3-for-6 from behind the arc.
Green has shot 50 percent or better in three out of his previous four games. Silas credited Green's efficiency due to his improved shot selections and better body control.
"I've been taking the shots my guys give me instead of forcing them all the time," Green said. "My guys have been locked in and setting screens, and we have been executing the offense well too. That has played a big role in how I've been scoring."
Playing in an emotional environment amid Ja Morant's return:
Ja Morant made his long-awaited return after nearly three weeks away due to off-court issues. His return made FedExForum an emotional environment. Silas gave his team a heads-up about the energy inside the building. And his preparation helped the Rockets stay competitive throughout the night.
Morant finished the game with 17 points (6-13 FG, 5-6 FT), five assists, a pair of steals and a block in the win.
"I thought we responded pretty well to it," Silas said. "Ja was going throughout the beginning of the game. He got the dunk and quick plays to the rim. But overall, we settled down and knew what it was going to be like with a different kind of energy in the building."
Best performance:
K.J. Martin had the best performance for the Rockets by scoring a career-high 31 points. But outside of the second-generation forward, Kevin Porter Jr. had arguably his best all-around game of the season.
Porter recorded his second career triple-double with 14 points (6-14 FG, 2-5 3PT), 10 assists and 10 rebounds.
Worst performance:
Nearly every player who touched the court for Houston impacted the game in a positive way, except for Daishen Nix. He accounted for four of the Rockets' 16 turnovers.
His most significant turnover came with 10 minutes and 18 seconds left in the fourth quarter. With the Rockets trailing by four, Nix gave up the ball while attacking downhill. And on the next defensive possession, he was hit with a technical foul, which led to a six-point advantage for the Grizzlies.
Final Words:
"It's completing plays throughout the game. The lob we had in transition that was thrown out of bounds — it's just the little things that are careless mistakes. They come back and bite you in the fourth quarter. It's the little details you need to get over the hump in a game like this." — Stephen Silas
You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24
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