Tony Allen scored a season-high 22 points, as the Memphis Grizzlies overcame a 16-point first half deficit and sent the Houston Rockets to consecutive losses for the first time this season.
The Grizzlies have now come back from a deficit of more than 15 to win twice in the last eight days and both occasions have come against a team with more than 30 wins and one of the three best records in the NBA.
Memphis now boasts a 5-0 record against Southwest Division opponents.
The Rockets went on an offensive tear in the first half shooting 58.3 percent from the field, a season-high for a Grizzlies opponent in the first half, en route to a 64-51 halftime lead.
However, the Grizzlies defense adjusted after the half and allowed Houston to shoot just 26.1 percent from the field and 3-of-24 (.125) from three-point range in the second half. In contrast, Memphis shot 23-of-39 (.590) from the field. The Rockets shot just 10-of-41 (.244) for the game from beyond the arc.
Houston is now 26-2 when leading at halftime.
Memphis turned the ball over early and often in the third quarter (six in the first 4:23) but righted the ship late, outscoring the Rockets 15-6 in the final four minutes of the period. The run included a quick 9-0 spurt over a 1:22 stretch that included three-pointers by Troy Daniels and Zach Randolph along with a converted and-one by Mike Conley.
The Grizzlies took their first lead since the 4:27 mark of the first quarter with a Troy Daniels free throw at the 11:01 mark in the fourth period after trailing by as many as 16.
Daniels (13 points, 3-6 3P) then provided the dagger, knocking down his third three-pointer of the game to give Memphis a 110-103 lead with 26.1 seconds left.
Allen shot 9-of-10 from the field, marking the fourth time in Allen’s career in which he shot 90.0 percent from the field or better on eight-or-more attempts. Zach Randolph (16 points, 12 rebounds) recorded his ninth double-double of the season. Mike Conley also had a productive evening with 17 points, nine assists and six rebounds.
James Harden led the Rockets with 27 points, nine assists and three rebounds. The Grizzlies have forced Harden into 16 turnovers in two regular season meetings. Five other Rockets scored in double figures.
Next Game
Remember. Celebrate. Act. On Sunday, Jan. 15, the Memphis Grizzlies, National Civil Rights Museum, City of Memphis and Shelby County will host the 15th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Game, presented by AutoZone, in a nationally-televised contest on ESPN vs. the Chicago Bulls at 8 p.m. Fans can also catch the action by tuning in to 92.9 FM ESPN. The celebration game events will also include the annual symposium and three other events to remember, celebrate and act on the legacy left by Dr. King with this year’s honorees of the 12th Annual National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Award. Associate celebration and game sponsors include The Hyde Family Foundations, Ashley Homestore, Memphis Area Ford Dealers and Coors Light. See Details.
Key Stat of the Night
- Memphis outshot Houston 53.9% to 40.2% for the game, including 59.0% to 26.1% in the second half after being outshot 58.3% to 48.6% in the first half.
Team Quotes
Player Notes
- Tony Allen scored a team high 22 points.
- Mike Conley had 17 points, nine assists and six rebounds.
- Zach Randolph contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds.
- Marc Gasol had 14 points, six assists and six rebounds.
- Troy Daniels scored 13 points.
- James Ennis finished with 12 points and 6 rebounds.