The Memphis Grizzlies (46-27) defeated the Houston Rockets (18-56) 151-114 on Friday at FedExForum, clinching a spot in the 2023 NBA Playoffs for the third consecutive season.
Luke Kennard matched his career high with 30 points and connected on a franchise-record 10 3-pointers on 11 attempts. Kennard shot 5-of-5 from 3-point range in the third quarter and 6-of-6 in the second half to help Memphis establish a new single-game club record with 25 3-pointers as a team.
Desmond Bane followed with 25 points, including 5-of-7 shooting from deep, while Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. both added 18 points. Dillon Brooks, Tyus Jones and Kenneth Lofton Jr. all scored 11.
Tari Eason led Houston with a career-high tying 21 points off the bench, while Jabari Smith Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr. contributed 20 points each.
Memphis used a 17-2 run, capped by a pair of Kennard treys, to take an 83-52 halftime lead, tied for the second-largest halftime advantage in franchise history. The Grizzlies would extend the lead to 41 points in the second half.
The Grizzlies shot 61.3% from the field and 59.5% from 3-point range in their 11th consecutive home win. Memphis’ bench outscored Houston’s reserves 78-44.
Memphis, which has the best home record in the NBA (32-5), tied the single-season franchise record for home victories. The Grizzlies swept the season series with the Rockets for the second time ever and first time since 2005-06.
The Grizzlies will take on the Atlanta Hawks at 5 p.m. CT on Sunday, March 26 at State Farm Arena in their second and final matchup of the season. Fans can tune in on Bally Sports Southeast or NBA TV or listen on 92.9 FM ESPN.