Memphis narrowly held off Houston in Ja Morant’s long-awaited return game, but quite a few members of the young Rockets showed promise in Wednesday’s 130-125 road loss (box score).
KJ Martin scored a career-high 31 points on 12-of-18 shooting (66.7%), including 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40%). Frontcourt mate Alperen Sengun returned after a one-game illness absence with 25 points and 8 rebounds on 11-of-15 shooting (73.3%), while Jabari Smith Jr. hit 4-of-9 on 3-pointers (44.4%) and scored 16 points.
Houston’s backcourt was impressive, as well. Jalen Green followed a 40-point outburst earlier in the week with an efficient 32 points on 10-of-18 shooting (55.6%). He also made 3-of-6 from 3-point range (50%) and went 9-of-9 on free throws. Kevin Porter Jr. had the second triple-double of his young NBA career at point guard, finishing with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
Yet, it wasn’t enough for the young Rockets (18-55) to get over the hump in Memphis (45-27), which remains in second place in the Western Conference. The biggest reason for Wednesday’s loss was Houston’s inability to control big man Jaren Jackson Jr., who finished with 37 points and 10 rebounds on 14-of-20 shooting (70%).
Scroll on for highlights, interview reactions from players and coaches, and postgame analysis by fans and media members. The Rockets and Grizzlies will meet again on the same FedExForum stage on Friday night in Memphis, with tipoff again at 7 p.m. Central.