The Memphis Grizzlies stayed within reach but could not close, falling 119-109 to the Houston Rockets on Friday night at FedExForum.
Memphis had stretches where the offense worked and the pace felt right. The response out of halftime reflected that, with a stronger third quarter that cut into the deficit and kept the game within reach.
The separation came in the fourth.
Houston used a 14-3 run midway through the period to push the lead to double digits, turning a competitive game into one Memphis in which couldn’t come back. The difference wasn’t a single breakdown. It was the accumulation of extra possessions and missed opportunities to finish defensive sequences.
That showed up most clearly on the glass.
The Rockets outrebounded the Grizzlies 57-39, including 21 offensive rebounds, extending possessions and creating consistent pressure in the halfcourt. Those second chances translated into 62 points in the paint and a level of control Memphis could not match.
Houston’s production reflected that same approach. Kevin Durant finished with 25 points and 10 assists, managing the game’s tempo. Jabari Smith Jr. added 21 points and 16 rebounds, anchoring the rebounding advantage. Amen Thompson contributed 18 points as part of a balanced effort.
For Memphis, Olivier-Maxence Prosper delivered a career-high 31 points on 12-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-5 from three, while adding seven rebounds. His approach remained consistent throughout.
“It doesn’t matter where the shot is coming from… whenever I feel like I’m open, I’m shooting,” Prosper said.
As his shooting has become more reliable, it has expanded the rest of his game.
“You make a couple, guys have got to close out harder,” he said. “It just makes the whole paint so much more wide open.”
That confidence is rooted in a shift in mentality.
“What matters is what’s now,” Prosper said. “You’ve got to believe you’re the best player on the floor.”
Memphis also saw steady contributions across the rotation. Javon Small and GG Jackson II each finished with 14 points, while Cam Spencer added 11 points and 10 assists off the bench for a double-double, bringing pace and organization to the second unit.
Jackson focused on sustaining momentum and adjusting within the game.
“Hopefully, try to carry that momentum in the second half,” he said. He also addressed the physical nature of his drives.
“I felt as I was getting downhill, being physical… I’m usually not getting calls,” Jackson said.
Jackson was direct about the frustration that comes with that style of play and how it is officiated.
“I’m not going to sugarcoat it,” he said.
He acknowledged the respect for Kevin Durant, while also making it clear how he views the effort across the floor.
“He’s the GOAT, so I respect him,” Jackson said. “But we bust our a** like he does, too. We tie our shoes like he ties his shoes.”
Even with that, the focus did not linger. “Next game mentality… got to flush this one.”
Head coach Tuomas Iisalo pointed to the broader challenge of a young team continuing to build its understanding through experience.
“We’re constantly running into new situations,” Iisalo said. “With a team that is very young, you don’t really have a library of solutions to go to.”
That lack of familiarity showed up in real time, as Houston repeated matchups Memphis had recently faced, forcing adjustments during the game.
“At times, the best solution is just playing harder,” he said. “But it’s also about building that understanding… being able to react to anything that’s around you.”
The Grizzlies have now lost 13 of their last 14 games.
There are stretches where the execution is there. The next step is sustaining it across four quarters.
Memphis continues its homestand Saturday night against the Chicago Bulls at FedExForum, with tipoff set for 7:00 PM CT.
Another opportunity, yes. But for Memphis, the question is no longer about responding. It’s about finishing.