Why grizzlies ‘had to win’ against rockets on Thursday and how they did

On By Littum

They do not play NBA playing games in January.

But that doesn’t mean some games mean no more than others, and Thursday’s Grizzlies-Rockets games at FedExforum are definitely suitable for that description. Houston, number two at the Western Conference, had beaten Grizzlies three times this season. Grizzlies, third at the western conference, had beaten Rockets zero times.

“It was a team we had to win against, really just for pride,” said Grizzlies Frem Santi Aldama. “I don’t know if I could have slept, knowing that they would beat us four times.”

Grizzlies did it – even if it took until the last seconds. Jaren Jackson Jr. hit a couple of free kicks to give Memphis a 120-119 lead, and Fred Vanvleet’s shot hit rhyme and jumped a few seconds of playing time later. Houston didn’t get another shot and the amount of FedExforum got lost.

Memphis’ first win of the season over Rockets came without star yes morant, who was added to the injuries with shoulder wound earlier on Thursday and was later downgraded. Houston was without the All-Star Alperen şengün, so there will be lots of things different if these teams see each other again in the playoffs.

Desmond Bane stepped up in Morant’s absence, scoring 24 points while grabbing 12 rebounds and Dishing out six assists. Luke Kennard had 22 points, while Jackson-there was appointed an all-star a few hours before the tip-off-had 21 points.

“We talked about it for the past few days,” Kennard said. “It was a big game. We had to make a statement tonight and just find a way to win.”

It was a reversal of the last meeting between these two teams earlier this month when Rockets deleted a Grizzlies lead in the fourth quarter to earn a 120-118 victory at the Toyota Center. This time it was Grizzlies who came from behind and got just enough defense down the stretch to slow down Jalen Green, Amen Thompson and Dillon Brooks.

Thursday was also a recurring victory for Grizzlies after a dispirable 37-point loss to Knicks Monday night, which led to questions about how they have appeared against elite teams. Memphis has been dominant against teams near the bottom of the position, but results against better teams – like knicks and rockets – have certainly been mixed.

Thursday’s victory gave Grizzlies a small shot of confidence as they near the all-star break, but it also gave a sense of relief after fans had seen them fight with Rockets’ physical and late game shot previously this one this season.

“Definitely there was a little extra motivation,” said track.

Jaren Jackson Jr. earns other all-star berth

Thursday’s victory limited a memorable day for Jackson, who served his second All-Star Berth after a season where he has taken his offensive game to a new level and became a consistent strength for the No. 3 team in the Western Conference.

He average 22.8 points per Battle, the highest number of its NBA career.

“It’s dope,” Jackson said. “It puts yourself in a crazy company. No words. Many people who came in front of me, the kids came up, they want this, they dream of this. To just be able to participate, I had been in all -Star weekend, when I was a kid and now I come to the second time.

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins and Jackson’s teammates agreed that he deserved All-Star-Nikket-and is on his way to an all-NBA place at the end of the season.

“He definitely deserves it,” said track. “He also deserves all-nba. He has a huge season, both sides of the court. Super grateful that he got it and he deserves everything.”

Well, sports author Jonah Dylan at [email protected] or at x @thejonahdylan.