Rockets Falter Late in Memphis: A Frustrating Loss to the Grizzlies
The Houston Rockets suffered a frustrating 120-119 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, squandering a late lead due to poor execution in the final minutes. Despite holding an eight-point advantage with under five minutes to play, the Rockets offense went ice-cold, managing just four points in the closing stretch.
Late Game Collapse
The final five minutes were a disaster for Houston, as they shot a dismal 1-for-12 from the field and committed three turnovers. The lone basket came on a Tari Eason putback, highlighting the team’s struggles to generate quality looks. Jalen Green, Fred VanVleet, and Dillon Brooks all failed to convert in crucial moments, allowing Memphis to mount a comeback.
Defensive Lapses
While the offense sputtered, the Rockets defense also had issues down the stretch. Jaren Jackson Jr. proved to be a matchup nightmare, exploiting mismatches against smaller defenders like Dillon Brooks. The absence of Alperen Sengun was felt, as the team lacked a versatile big man capable of defending at the level of the screen and providing some pressure on the perimeter.
Missed Opportunities
Throughout the game, the Rockets squandered numerous easy scoring chances. Amen Thompson, despite an otherwise solid performance with 21 points and multiple blocks, missed several layups around the rim. These missed opportunities, coupled with the team’s poor shooting inside the arc, ultimately proved costly in such a tightly contested matchup.
Coaching Decisions
Some of Ime Udoka’s rotations and defensive assignments raised eyebrows. The decision to keep Dillon Brooks as the primary defender on Jaren Jackson Jr., despite the clear size disadvantage, was particularly questionable. Additionally, the lack of offensive creativity in late-game situations, such as not utilizing Amen Thompson in the short roll, limited the team’s scoring options when they needed them most.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Rockets loss to the Grizzlies, tune into the Locked On Rockets podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Rockets Podcast:
• Alperen Sengun’s All-Star selection and its significance for the franchise
• Amen Thompson’s impressive defensive performance and areas for improvement
• The impact of injuries on both teams’ lineups and strategies
