It was the 2nd game of the 2024-2025 season for the Memphis Grizzlies. It was also their first loss of the campaign for Memphis - their first game on the road as well, suffering defeat by 20 points at the hands of the Houston Rockets. It was close - a six point Grizzlies lead at the half - until a dominant 39-18 3rd quarter all but put Memphis away.
The Rockets had seven scorers in double figures. The Grizzlies had four. Houston was +21 on the glass and dominated a Memphis team physically that for this game was without Jaren Jackson Jr.
But Jaren, while questionable on the injury report, is expected to play. As is Santi Aldama, Ja Morant, and Desmond Bane - three players who were part of that tough, physical loss. They remember.
And they know that more is required of them if they’re to avoid the same fate tonight.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers played a much-hyped regular season game last night (see NBA Cup, it’s possible!) that saw Cleveland lay claim to OKC’s status as the NBA’s best team in a Cavaliers victory. It was high level hoops all around - and a reminder that while perhaps the Grizzlies can get to that place, they’re not there yet.
A trade? Maybe. Simply getting the likes of Vince Williams Jr. and GG Jackson back? Sure. Options abound. But for now, the Grizzlies are in Tier 2 of contender-dom.
Right next to the Houston Rockets, who they share that status with in the Western Conference as a half game separated them heading in to tonight.
It will be far from easy. Houston has won their last four road games, but those wins weren’t exactly against Murderer’s Row (no offense Toronto/Charlotte/New Orleans/Washington). And Memphis has struggled against the Western Conference (11-10) compared to the Rockets (15-8). Both teams have something to prove.
Which only adds to the big fight feel down at FedExForum for this game.
It’s Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams, and to a lesser extent Jeff Green returning to their old stomping grounds. It’s the young core of the Rockets - Amen Thompson is a revelation, if you haven’t watched him play lately - against that of the Grizzlies. It’s Memphis not just seeking redemption after a tough loss early in the season.
It’s a team directly in their way toward their larger, eventual postseason goals. And in a hypothetical 7 game playoff series, would the Grizzlies rather be at home for a potential Game Seven against the Rockets?
Probably so. With that in mind, getting this win is huge for tiebreaker possibilities down the road. Especially considering these two teams play again in just four days time, once again in Houston.
So ring the bell. Let’s do this. You want to be seen as a real threat in the NBA title picture? The Cavs and Thunder showed what that means last night.
Now it’s up to Memphis to meet Houston’s physicality - and this moment - as they run their own race toward the Finals.
