The NBA regular season continued with the Houston Rockets defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 124-109 on the road, securing their fifth consecutive win. From the very start of the game, the Rockets took control, delivering an impressive performance on both ends of the court. In the first quarter, they outscored the Grizzlies 34-22, quickly establishing a lead of more than 10 points. While their efficiency dipped slightly in the second quarter, the Grizzlies couldn't capitalize on the opportunity, and the Rockets maintained a nine-point lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Rockets kept their momentum, continuing to play with high offensive efficiency. They scored 34 points in the third quarter, and by the time the fourth quarter began, their lead had stretched to 14 points. Throughout the final period, Houston maintained a comfortable lead of around 15 points, forcing the Grizzlies to call in their substitutes early as the game slipped out of reach. The Rockets confidently secured the win, improving their record to 5-2. So, what made the difference for Houston in this game? Let’s take a look at some of the key performances.

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Alperen ?engün, with 14 field goals made on 6 attempts, 2 out of 0 three-pointers, and 8 out of 10 free throws, finished the game with 20 points, 16 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and 6 turnovers. ?engün played with his usual strength and aggression. Despite missing a few outside shots, he continuously attacked the basket, putting pressure on Memphis’ defense. His work on the boards, especially his physicality in boxing out and grabbing rebounds, was crucial. However, his tendency to struggle when facing double-teams was evident, as he sometimes held the ball too long, leading to turnovers. This is something he can definitely work on going forward.

Kevin Durant, who shot 5 out of 18 from the field, 1 out of 2 from three-point range, and recorded 11 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and 2 turnovers, had a relatively quiet game by his standards. His shooting, especially on mid-range and inside shots, was unusually off, and despite being in rhythm for several opportunities, he just couldn't get his shots to fall. Nevertheless, Durant was active on the defensive side, and there’s no need to be overly concerned about his shooting performance in the long run, as his scoring ability will surely bounce back.

Jabari Smith Jr. also had an efficient night, shooting 6 for 8 from the field, including 2 for 3 from beyond the arc and 2 for 2 from the free-throw line, totaling 16 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 turnovers. His shooting was nearly perfect, whether finishing strong in the paint or knocking down shots from three-point range. His timely scoring, especially when other players were being double-teamed, was a key factor in Houston's offensive success and put the Grizzlies on their heels.

Amen Thompson was the standout performer, finishing with 28 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 2 turnovers on 13 of 26 shooting, including 1 of 3 from three-point range and 1 of 1 from the free-throw line. Thompson was everywhere on the floor, playing with a level of excitement and energy that was contagious. Every time he touched the ball, he looked to attack the basket, but he also showed great court vision, assisting teammates when defenses collapsed on him. His tenacity on the boards and overall hustle were a big reason for Houston's dominance.

Josh Okogie, with 5 out of 9 shooting, including 3 out of 5 from three-point range, finished with 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Okogie delivered a solid performance on both ends of the floor. He was relentless on defense and took what was given to him offensively, hitting open shots when the defense left him space. His ability to stretch the floor and contribute in other areas made him a valuable asset.

Off the bench, Tari Eason made a significant impact, shooting 5 for 13 from the field, 4 of 8 from three, and 2 of 2 from the free-throw line, finishing with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block. Eason was highly efficient, especially from beyond the arc, shooting 50rom three-point range. His defense was active as well, helping the team maintain their advantage while the starters rested.

The rest of the Rockets’ bench, including Clint Capela and Darius Shepherd, also played their roles well, contributing to the team’s overall performance. The Rockets' reserves were a key part of maintaining the lead, helping to neutralize Memphis' bench in the second half. The collective effort from both the starters and the bench ensured that Houston never lost control of the game.

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