How the Grizzlies Can Land the Rockets in the All-Star Revenge Game

Some regular-season losses sting a little more in professional sports, even in the NBA’s 82-game slog. It was hard to ignore how Taylor Jenkins used one-word responses after The Memphis Grizzlies lost Alperen Sengun to the Houston Rockets January 9. Fortunately, the Grizzlies (25-14) responded well after a baffling loss to the Rockets (25-12) thanks to I MorantLate-game heroics vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Jan. 11). Next for Zach Edey and Jaren Jackson Jr. is a revenge game in Houston (Jan. 13) with second place in the Western Conference on the line.

A loss could drop Memphis to fourth depending on how the Denver Nuggets fare. Jenkins no doubt spent extra time in the film session trying to figure out how Making Udoka slows Memphis’ offense. Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. were led by the Grizzlies to a top-four record in the conference standings after 40 games. However, they are just 12-11 against conference foes.

For a team that is second in turnovers, it may be time to rely on the pick-and-roll more often, especially in Houston. The Grizzlies have moved away from the NBA’s most used action this season, but introducing some PnR reps now and giving the Rockets a different look would at least give the coaching staff a larger sample size. Anything to get Sengun and Steven Adams out of the paint.

This is not to say that Morant and Jackson Jr. try to brute force a road win by immediately switching to a two-man offensive game plan. Stick with what has worked for the most part. Let Desmond BaneSanti Aldama and Zach Edey get involved early, but put the two stars together and we’ll see what happens. They didn’t get many minutes together compared to other stars because of Morant’s injuries.

Throw Zack Eddie into more action as a screener. Let the rookie big man break down Adams and Sengun when Jackson Jr. gets a breather. Hiding Edeia in the corner does Houston a favor in the long run. The Grizzlies need to make the Rockets uncomfortable for the full 48 minute drive. This was not the case in the previous two meetings.

The Rockets leave the Grizzlies grumbling

Memphis actually had a 12-point lead on Oct. 25, 2024, before losing all momentum in a 20-point spurt. Houston took seven more shots (98-91) and sank them better (43.9%-41.8%). Meanwhile, the Grizzlies made seven fewer 3-pointers (17-10) while almost refusing to make free throws (22-36).

The Grizzlies completely dominated on the boards (64-43). The Rockets had 23 offensive rebounds, winning that battle with nine. Misses were as many as 19, but Houston had the only opportunity to convert. The Rockets had 29 points off turnovers; The Grizzlies finished with just 13. Jaylen Green and Fred VanVleet celebrated on the sidelines as the scoreboard read 128-108 as the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter.

The second game was tense until the last shot, but the Grizzlies lost at home (119-115). That was to be expected after the Rockets again got more shots (12). Memphis scored more overall (42-41), but Houston won the three-point battle by nine points (13-10).

Jenkins could do nothing but watch as the Grizzlies recorded fewer rebounds, assists, steals and fast break points, but more fouls. The Rockets had 20 more points than turnovers (31-11). Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. they simply had no answer for Sengun (32 points, 14 rebounds, five assists). Rookie big Zach Eddy (four points, three rebounds, five fouls) was ineffective.

Memphis needs more decisiveness in defensive folds, better communication and a shot contest rate that is more flattering than a worrisome turnover rate. Do all that without playing Adams and Sengun, and the Grizzlies Ja Morant should have a chance to steal a second straight win.

If not, Sengun’s Rockets will win the season series and have a crucial tiebreaker. That’s a tough spot for Jaren Jackson Jr.’s All-Star chances. and the Grizzlies considering that they have the second most difficult remaining schedule.