It was approximately one month ago when the Memphis Grizzlies visited Toyota Center and humiliated the host Rockets in a historic and embarrassing 49-point defeat. While the result was still the same in Monday’s rematch, Houston found significantly more reasons for hope.
In Monday’s 120-110 win (box score) by the Grizzlies, the Rockets led by nine in the final stages of the third quarter — even with star center Christian Wood sidelined by illness. Eventually, Memphis (22-22) pulled away, with Jonas Valanciunas (30 points, 15 rebounds) feasting on the interior. His dominance was likely made easier by Wood’s absence. Third-year guard De’Anthony Melton, who was drafted by the Rockets in 2018, added 23 points off the bench in a return visit to Houston.
Nonetheless, the rebuilding Rockets (13-33) — who entered with two wins in their last four games — still had signs of optimism. Veteran big man Kelly Olynyk, who started in Wood’s place, had 25 points (58.8% FG) and 9 rebounds, while rookie forward Jae’Sean Tate added 24 points (50% FG) and 7 rebounds. Veterans DJ Augustin (13 points, 5 assists) and Sterling Brown (10 points) each scored double-figures off the bench, and they both connected on 2-of-4 shots (50%) from 3-point range.
The starting backcourt of John Wall and Kevin Porter Jr. struggled, scoring 19 combined points on 7-of-29 shooting (24.1%).
Overall, though, it was a relatively encouraging night for the Rockets, who held their own deep into the game with a potential Western Conference playoff team — even with Wood sidelined. Wood appears likely to return as soon as Wednesday, when the Rockets have their second and final meeting with the Brooklyn Nets and former teammate James Harden.
For now, here’s a look back at Monday’s highlights and postgame reaction by Olynyk, Tate, and head coach Stephen Silas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv1o5K_zHcA
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Stephen Silas was happy with the Rockets crunch time offense: "I thought there were maybe three loose possessions, but for the most part our drive and kick game, we got some wide open shots that I really liked. K.P. got one, Kelly might've gotten two, John might've had one…." pic.twitter.com/fMDSBxHgKS
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) March 30, 2021
Silas on the chemistry between John Wall and Kevin Porter Jr: "They gotta grow together. They gotta learn how to play with each other. I see their trust building on a game-to-game basis, and for Kevin to play 36 minutes tonight and it was kind of an up and down game for him…" pic.twitter.com/8qD1vBWEy8
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) March 30, 2021
Silas: "The looseness of our possessions in Minnesota in comparison to tonight where we executed, made the extra pass and had some open looks. Very, very different than the Minnesota game. This was a game where we went cold in the fourth quarter…" pic.twitter.com/HA2UGr1n4e
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) March 30, 2021
Kelly Olynyk talks about why he loves playing in the @HoustonRockets system under Stephen Silas pic.twitter.com/k07vy2RXaJ
— AT&T SportsNet SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) March 30, 2021