Memphis Grizzlies Identify Key Changes To Be Made Vs. Rockets

On By Littum

HOUSTON – This was the third meeting between the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets. Memphis needed things to be different, and it felt that way for much of Monday’s game.

Yes Morant and Desmond Bane came right out of the gate knocking down 3-pointers to put Memphis on the board. Remember all that talk about physicality and toughness? When Rockets forward Dillon Brooks shoved his shoulder into Bane as the two battled for position on a free throw, Bane forcefully shoved Brooks back and received a technical foul.

The Grizzlies weren’t going to come out slow, and they weren’t going to be bullied.

Despite these changes, the result was the same. The Rockets (26-12) pulled out a 120-118 victory at the Toyota Center.

“I think there was more edge,” Santi Aldama said. “It’s still a tough loss. It’s still unfortunate. . . . I think overly physical teams have been a problem for us. We just have to adjust. I think the more the season goes on, the more we’re getting better. we know the recipe. we just need to be able to do it for 48 minutes instead of 30.

The postgame feeling in the Grizzlies locker room was not one of defeat. The players were in awe of the talented athleticism of Rockets forward Amen Thompson. He finished the game with 19 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks.

There was also Jalen Green’s big night. He scored 42 points and made a number of difficult shots. Green shot 13 of 18 from the field, including five made 3-pointers.

“Jalen Green had a terrific night,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said. “… Hats off to me. Jalen Green had an answer for everything we threw at him and he scored at all three levels tonight.”

It was only a week ago when the Grizzlies were the No. 2 seed with the Rockets hot on their heels. Two Houston wins against Memphis (25-15) in the last four days have changed that picture drastically, but not all hope is lost.

Amen the Thompson factor

Thompson was everywhere. He was quick in transition and quick on his feet when it was time to jump in the air. He gave the Grizzlies problems on both ends with his athleticism.

Specifically, it was Thompson’s success around the basket in the dunker’s spot that gave Memphis problems in the second half. He scored 14 of his 19 points in the final two quarters.

“They adapted,” Jenkins said. “He didn’t do that in the last game. The first half, he didn’t really do that. … It’s a good offense from their side. We’re recalibrating and getting ready for Game 4.

Grizzlies big Aldama and Jaren Jackson Jr. were the ones who were mostly put on islands when Rockets center Alperen Sengün would have the ball near the free throw line and decide whether to take the shot or make a pass to Thompson.

Morant compared the difficult situation to winning Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon put teams in the same situation.

“Playing the two, it’s tough because he’s super athletic,” Jackson said. “If you throw him the quick pass or lob in there, you have to play two.”

Late game situations hurt Memphis

The Grizzlies led by 13 points in the fourth quarter. Houston gradually chipped away at the momentum during a 16-2 run, but the Grizzlies still had chances to win.

Memphis took a 115-114 lead after Morant threw a pass to Brandon Clarke for an easy basket with 51.1 seconds left. What followed was a Green layup and a Morant turnover that led to two more Rockets points.

Memphis had a turnover in the first quarter. As a result, the Grizzlies built a 30-23 lead. Seven turnovers in the second quarter resulted in the lead shrinking to three points.

The Grizzlies forced Houston into 23 turnovers, largely due to a season-high 17 steals. However, Memphis made its own mistakes down the stretch.

“Late-game possessions,” Morant said. “Value the possessions and have more possessions. We have to limit them on the boards, second chances, take care of the ball and make sure we get good shots.”

Damichael Cole is the one Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at [email protected]. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.