Tari Eason delivered a standout performance with an NBA career-best 25 points, supported by Jabari Smith Jr.’s double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds, propelling the Houston Rockets to a 117-104 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, extending their impressive home winning streak to 11 games.
Eason, coming off the bench, was efficient, shooting 10 for 16, and matched his career-best with 14 rebounds, emphasizing his commitment to playing hard and letting the results follow.
“I feel like this is something where I always play hard,” Eason said. “When you play hard, all the extra stuff happens, but I wouldn’t say I am doing anything outside of myself.”
The Rockets are set for a rematch with the Grizzlies in Memphis, marking the second game of their back-to-back series. Houston coach Ime Udoka highlighted the significant impact of the team’s energy and pace, particularly from returning players.
“It’s been big the last few games,” Udoka said. “(It’s a) welcome sight to have those guys back and the energy and change of pace that they bring. … It’s a little sluggish at times, and they infuse some energy. Obviously, (they) got us a lead and got it back in the fourth quarter.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Tari Eason, Houston Rockets, Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks contributed 11 points each, with Jae’Sean Tate adding 10 points and seven rebounds. The Rockets’ shooting was solid, hitting 45% from the field and 12 of 32 from beyond the arc. They also dominated the boards, outrebounding Memphis 58-39. This victory extends the Rockets’ longest home winning run since their franchise-record 20-game streak in 2018.
For Memphis, Jaren Jackson Jr. put up a career-high 44 points along with seven rebounds. Derrick Rose contributed 19 points and six assists, and Vince Williams Jr. added 10 points and seven rebounds. Jackson, particularly effective in the second half, stressed the importance of maintaining balance and simplicity in his approach.
“I’m just making sure my balance is good,” Jackson said. “Not changing up the recipe too much, making it simple. Even when you miss, don’t try to reinvent everything and just find guys when I start getting doubled.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Tari Eason, Houston Rockets, Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Despite their efforts, the Grizzlies struggled from long range, shooting just 10 of 38 from three-point distance. They capitalized on forcing 19 Houston turnovers, turning them into 23 points.
Memphis felt the absence of Desmond Bane, their leading scorer, due to illness. His absence marked the 11th time a Grizzlies player missed a game this season due to injury or illness.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Tari Eason, Houston Rockets, Jaren Jackson Jr, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Houston built a 19-point lead in the second quarter, but Memphis reduced it to 57-43 at halftime. The Grizzlies then narrowed the gap further in the third quarter, but the Rockets regained control in the fourth, eventually securing their victory.
