The Durant-Sengun duo repels the Grizzlies

The beginning of the meeting was marked by great awkwardness on both sides. Memphiswho hasn’t played since Friday as Houston struggles to find an offensive rhythm. The Grizzlies are leaning on Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama, while Alperen Shengun is starting to settle into the paint on the wing Houston with high efficiency near the circle. After twelve minutes, GG Jackson’s teammates lead by a small point (24-23).

Under the boards, Sengun is unplayable with 7/7 shooting in the first half, low post dominance and perfect reading of the game. Tari Eason brings a lot of energy off the bench, and Amen Thompson organizes the game with precision. Even so, Houston is still struggling with its awkwardness from distance, and Memphis is taking advantage of that with its rebounding. At the break, the Grizzlies already have 12 offensive rebounds and lead: 54-51.

After returning from the locker room, the game remains extremely close. Neither team manages to create a real gap. Still, we see the Rockets turning up the intensity on defense, but the Grizzlies match up with a collectively well-distributed score (GG Jackson, Jalen Wells, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope). At the end of the 3rd quarter, we found this little advantage for Memphis (77-76).

Finally, the Rockets finally decide to get out of this stalemate, and Sengun starts a 12-2 run that knocks out the Grizzlies for the first time. Tarry Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith from a distance try to put the game away (88-79). Wells tries to respond, but it is Kevin Durant who takes two award-winning baskets. 12-2 turns into 21-9, and the Rockets lead by 10 points. This time, Memphis wins, and the Rockets win 108-99.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

The ups and downs of the Grizzlies. For the seventh time in a row, the Grizzlies have taken more than 10 points in a game. But the partners of Jaren Jackson Jr. consistency is lacking, and they have a 2-5 record in this series.

Sengun too easy. Facing one of the best defenders in the NBA, Alperen Sengun finished with 33 points on 15-of-17 shooting. The Turk is in complete control of his movements and his reading of the game. His complicity with Amen Thompson grows.

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.