Memphis narrowly held off Houston in Ja Morant’s long-awaited return game, but quite a few members of the young Rockets showed promise in Wednesday’s 130-125 road loss (box score).
KJ Martin scored a career-high 31 points on 12-of-18 shooting (66.7%), including 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40%). Frontcourt mate Alperen Sengun returned after a one-game illness absence with 25 points and 8 rebounds on 11-of-15 shooting (73.3%), while Jabari Smith Jr. hit 4-of-9 on 3-pointers (44.4%) and scored 16 points.
Houston’s backcourt was impressive, as well. Jalen Green followed a 40-point outburst earlier in the week with an efficient 32 points on 10-of-18 shooting (55.6%). He also made 3-of-6 from 3-point range (50%) and went 9-of-9 on free throws. Kevin Porter Jr. had the second triple-double of his young NBA career at point guard, finishing with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
Yet, it wasn’t enough for the young Rockets (18-55) to get over the hump in Memphis (45-27), which remains in second place in the Western Conference. The biggest reason for Wednesday’s loss was Houston’s inability to control big man Jaren Jackson Jr., who finished with 37 points and 10 rebounds on 14-of-20 shooting (70%).
Scroll on for highlights, interview reactions from players and coaches, and postgame analysis by fans and media members. The Rockets and Grizzlies will meet again on the same FedExForum stage on Friday night in Memphis, with tipoff again at 7 p.m. Central.
Highlights
Analysis and Interviews
That's a great loss in my book. Every starter had at the very least a good game, with some having excellent ones. Lost because they didn't get much from the bench.
Back again against the Grizzlies on Friday
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) March 23, 2023
Jalen Green tonight:
32 Points
3 Rebounds
3 Assists
10-18 FG (55.6%)
3-6 3PT (50%)
7-7 FT (100%)
72.9 TS%
0 TurnoversAnother easy 30 piece for JG. pic.twitter.com/7YZtqzwBto
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) March 23, 2023
Bro…what is Alperen Sengun on?!!! pic.twitter.com/A627tpbTNs
— V̷a̷t̷o̷r̷ (@Vator_H_Town) March 23, 2023
First career 30-point game for KJ Martin 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LGIZsuqX84
— Rob Kimbell (@RobKSports) March 23, 2023
Proud of these guys, they could have easily folded when Memphis came out strong and were buzzing because if Ja's return, but they never backed down and even when they fell behind they pushed back each time to make this a very competitive game
— Abel (@AbelGe87) March 23, 2023
#Rockets fall in Memphis, but this was a good loss. It went down to the wire and they played well offensively:
— Jalen Green efficient (32 pts, 10-18 FG)
— Sengun 25 pts, 8 reb in return
— KJ Martin season-high 31 pts
— KPJ triple-double (14-10-10)
— Jabari hit four triples pic.twitter.com/icO3DEbZ3i— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) March 23, 2023
In a losing effort. Couldn't have been more perfect. This is elite tanking https://t.co/ius4zgmnBw
— Jason Williams (@AstroRocket) March 23, 2023
This was basically the ideal game for the #Rockets tonight. Players looked good and the L was achieved. #EmbraceTheTank #SecureTheL
— Jason Williams (@AstroRocket) March 23, 2023
Even though the Rockets will fall short, this was one of the best games of the season, our starters were phenomenal and made this a very enjoyable night watching them all go off
— Abel (@AbelGe87) March 23, 2023
Great loss brewing here – Rockets battles but are going to fall short
— StanfordKP (@stanfordkp) March 23, 2023
Challenge successful. Call overturned and ruled an offensive on Sengun, his sixth foul. Eason checks in for him, Smith on Jackson. https://t.co/85ZitiAXRN
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) March 23, 2023
The #Rockets are just thinking and understanding the game so much better the last couple of weeks or so. Great example here, making the next logical play and finding the shot. pic.twitter.com/loNT14QJKM
— B.Scott (@brandonkscott) March 23, 2023
Tari Eason. Hustle mentality.
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) March 23, 2023
CAREER HIGH 3⃣1⃣ POINTS FOR KJ MARTIN@kj__martin vs Memphis
🏀12-18 FG🏀6 REB🏀2 BLK🏀@HoustonRockets #Rockets pic.twitter.com/ku1exx3FJO— AT&T SportsNet™ | SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) March 23, 2023
#Rockets fall to Memphis 130-125
But a career high 31 points for KJ Martin@HoustonRockets pic.twitter.com/NcXQyYJ2AR
— AT&T SportsNet™ | SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) March 23, 2023
#Rockets Jalen Green continues his efficient scoring streak
Last 4 games
VS NOP – 25 PTS
VS NOP – 40 PTS
VS GSW – 20 PTS
AT MEM – 32 PTS@HoustonRockets @JalenGreen pic.twitter.com/pfAfIxGPcE— AT&T SportsNet™ | SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) March 23, 2023
