Dillon Brooks led a remarkable turnaround for the Houston Rockets, scoring 24 of his 26 points in the second half as they rallied from an early deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 103-96 during Friday’s NBA action.
Brooks, returning to Memphis, where he played for six seasons before his off-season trade to Houston, transformed from a slow start to become the key player in the Rockets’ fifth consecutive win. His crucial three-pointer with just 40 seconds extended Houston’s lead to 99-94. He also made a significant defensive play, stealing an inbounds pass that helped seal the victory for the Rockets.
Reflecting on his performance, Brooks acknowledged his initial struggles, especially with three-point shots, but his confidence grew as the game progressed. Fred VanVleet contributed 16 points and eight assists for Houston, while Alperen Sengun added 15 points.
“I knew we needed to get back in the game, and I was missing a lot of 3s,” Brooks said. “I knew when I started knocking down one, the confidence will come. I held the follow though, and it felt good. Then I started getting it rolling.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Dillon Brooks, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Memphis, facing challenges at home with a 1-10 record, was led by Desmond Bane’s 28 points and a career-high 13 rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 22 points and four blocks. Vince Williams Jr. and Santi Aldama each scored 11 points for the Grizzlies.
“Give them credit,” Bane said. “They had a few guys play well. Really a balanced attack. Had some guys step up off the bench. … They played well and made shots down the stretch.”
The Rockets, having already won the first two games against Memphis this season, found themselves down by 17 points in the first half. However, a spirited comeback late in the half and into the third quarter changed the game’s momentum. Rockets coach Ime Udoka emphasized the need for the team to “wake up” and engage more in the game.
Houston’s defensive adjustments in the third quarter disrupted Memphis’s offensive rhythm, allowing the Rockets to take a 75-74 lead into the final period. Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins pointed to the third quarter as a turning point, where his team lost offensive rhythm due to Houston’s surge.
“We clawed our way back into it,” Udoka said. “It looked like we came out flat, but that’s been the case the last (few) games.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Dillon Brooks, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
The Grizzlies have been navigating the season with a depleted lineup, exacerbated by the absence of last year’s leading scorer, Ja Morant, due to a 25-game suspension. Derrick Rose, the backup point guard, also left the game with hamstring soreness.
“It started at the beginning of the the third (period),” Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said. “We just couldn’t get a rhythm going offensively, and they went on a run. They just found a groove on the offensive side.”
Morant, speaking to the media for the first time since his suspension, expressed his eagerness to contribute to the team upon his return.
“I’m not forcing a historic game my first game back,” Morant said.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Dillon Brooks, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Despite struggling with shooting in the first half, the Rockets managed to keep the game within reach and eventually turned the tables in the second half, largely thanks to Brooks’ performance. He received a warm welcome back in Memphis, including a tribute video, which he said was emotionally significant for him, but stated his determination never to lose to his former team.
“I don’t ever want to lose to Memphis,” Brooks said.
Looking ahead, the Rockets will face the Milwaukee Bucks next, while the Grizzlies are set to play the Oklahoma City Thunder.
