Rockets Unable to Overcome 23-Point Deficit in Loss to Grizzlies

By falling to the Grizzlies, the Houston Rockets entered the All-Star break with arguably their worst loss of the season.

Dillon Brooks made it a personal goal to help the Houston Rockets win all four games against the Memphis Grizzlies this season. However, the Rockets were unable to overcome a 23-point deficit, as Brooks failed to achieve his goal amid Houston's 121-113 loss Wednesday night.

Brooks fell short of another 20-point performance. But the former Grizzly finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and a pair of steals amid his second appearance inside the FedExForum. 

After a 23-point outing against the New York Knicks Monday night, Brooks came into the game averaging 20.0 points over the Rockets previous four games.

"It has been that way for a while now, maybe underestimating the competition," coach Ime Udoka said. "They came out like the softest team in the league."  

Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) spins toward the basket as Memphis Grizzlies guard Derrick Rose (23) defends during the first half at FedExForum / Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Amen Thompson led the Rockets on the night with 19 points and a dozen rebounds. The performance marked Thompson's fifth career double-double. His free throw at the 10:07 mark of the fourth quarter led to Houston's first lead of the game (88-87).

Unfortunately, the Rockets were unable to capitalize on their only lead. Jaren Jackson Jr. drilled a 3-point field goal on the Grizzlies' next possession. After trading baskets over the next six minutes, the Grizzlies went on an 11-0 run to give themselves a 111-102 lead within the final two minutes.

Six players scored in double figures as the Grizzlies snapped a nine-game losing streak. GG Jackson scored a game-high 20 points on 8 of 15 shooting from the field, 3 of 5 from behind the arc, and nine rebounds. Luke Kennard finished with 17 points on 4 of 6 shooting from deep.

Dillon Brooks Aims to Lead Rockets to 4-0 Regular-Season Sweep vs. Grizzlies

Nate Hinton gives the Rockets major boost:

The Rockets were in a significant funk when Nate Hinton checked into the game with 10:41 left in the second quarter. Houston was down 46-23 when Hinton came in for Jalen Green. He scored seven of his season-high 10 points off the bench during the period. His energy on both ends helped ignite a 26-8 run to close the first half. 

Another road loss:

The Rockets have not won back-to-back games since early January. But more importantly, Houston remains one of the league's worst teams on the road. They are 5-21 away from the Toyota Center and have dropped 14 of their last 20 games.

A modest performance for Jaren Jackson Jr.:

Jaren Jackson Jr. has been a tough defensive assignment for the Rockets this season. Jackson came into the regular-season finale averaging 29.6 points over the previous three games against Houston, which included scoring a season-best 44 points on Dec. 13.

But Wednesday night, Jackson had a subpar performance. Before scoring 11 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter, Jackson was struggling from the field by scoring seven points through the first three quarters.