Dillon Brooks Leads Houston Rockets to Comeback Victory Over Memphis Grizzlies

Dillon Brooks erupted for 24 second-half points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 103-96 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Dillon Brooks put on a show against the Memphis Grizzlies amid his first game back inside the FedExForum. He scored a season-high 26 points on 10 of 20 shooting, which led to the Houston Rockets' 103-96 victory. He erupted for 24 points in the second half.

The win gave the Rockets their second road victory of the season while taking a commanding 3-0 regular-season lead over the Grizzlies.

The Rockets had arguably their worst quarter of the season and trailed by 17 points late in the first period. The Rockets cut into the Grizzlies' lead behind the play of Tari Eason and Jeff Green off the bench, but it wasn't until the third quarter that Houston took control.

They outscored the Grizzlies 30-19 in the period, with Brooks accounting for 10. However, he wasn't the only Rocket who found his groove after a rough first half.

Jalen Green had a bounce-back performance after averaging 7.5 points on 16.6 percent shooting over the previous two games. Green finished with 14 points in the win. He scored six during the third period. 

The Rockets led by five (85-80) with 6:38 left in the fourth quarter, but the Grizzlies made one last push.

Memphis' efforts tied the game at 94 with 1:51 left in the period. Fred VanVleet broke the tie with a long-range jumper. A few possessions later, Brooks gave the Rockets a five-point advantage with a clutch triple. VanVleet finished with 16 points, eight assists, six rebounds, four steals and two blocks.

After giving up a career-high 44 points on Wednesday, the Rockets did a better job defending Jaren Jackson Jr. two nights later. Houston held the All-Star forward to 22 points in the loss. Desmond Bane returned for the Grizzlies after missing the previous contest due to an illness. The Grizzlies' leading scorer added 28 points and 13 rebounds.

Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane shoots for three as Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) defends during the first half at FedExForum / Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Homecoming for Dillon Brooks:

After six years with the Grizzlies, Brooks returned to the FedExForum for the first time as an opponent. He returned to a warm reception and a tribute video at the 7:47 mark of the first quarter. 

As the leading scorer for Houston, Brooks helped the Rockets end a three-game losing skid in Memphis. The Rockets are 3-1 when Brooks scores 20 or more points this season.

Dillon Brooks Looking Forward to FedExForum Return

Up Next:

The Rockets will continue their three-game road trip Sunday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. They will then travel to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers. Tip-off between the Rockets and Bucks is slated for 6:00 p.m. CDT inside the Fiserv Forum.