In his first return to Memphis since playing six seasons for the Grizzlies, Dillon Brooks scored a team-high 26 points for the Rockets — including 24 in the second half — as Houston stormed back from an early 17-point deficit to win Friday’s game, 103-96 (box score).
Brooks hit 10-of-20 shots from the field (50.0%) and 3-of-9 from 3-point range (33.3%), including a dagger in the game’s final minute. With the win, Houston (13-9) has now won five straight, overall.
That was enough to withstand a spirited effort by the Grizzlies (6-18), who were led by 28 points and 13 rebounds from Desmond Bane. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 22 points and 4 blocked shots.
Beyond Brooks, other Houston players who scored in double figures versus the Grizzlies included:
- Fred VanVleet: 16 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 4 steals; 5-of-12 shooting (41.7%), 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50.0%)
- Alperen Sengun: 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals; 4-of-12 shooting (33.3%), 7-of-7 on free throws
- Jalen Green: 14 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds; 4-of-12 shooting (33.3%), 3-of-7 on 3-pointers (42.9%)
- Jeff Green: 12 points, 4 rebounds in 19 minutes; 3-of-9 shooting (33.3%), 6-of-7 on free throws (85.7%)
- Tari Eason: 11 points, 8 rebounds 2 steals in 23 minutes; 4-of-8 shooting (50.0%), 1-of-1 on 3-pointers
The Rockets were without a pair of reserves in Amen Thompson and Jae’Sean Tate, with each sitting out due to an illness.
Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews after Friday’s game, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets, as a three-game road trip continues, is Sunday’s tough matchup at Milwaukee (17-7). Tipoff is at 6:00 p.m. Central.
Dec. 15 Rockets-Grizzlies reaction
Fred VanVleet, Alperen Sengun and Tari Eason combined for 8 Steals and 7 Blocks.
That, alongside Dillon's 2nd half scoring run and some key buckets by Jeff Green and FVV, is why they won. Grit and Grind in the house of Grit and Grind.
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) December 16, 2023
Dillon Brooks on getting the win in Memphis: "It means a lot to me. I miss this place. I love playing here. The fans are great. It gives a little different type of juice."
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) December 16, 2023
Not to be overlooked in the incredible second half from Dillon Brooks, but Fred VanVleet did a phenomenal job steering the ship late in this game.
Kept feeding the hot hand of DB and played some great defense (4 steals).
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) December 16, 2023
The #Rockets have the 2nd best defense in the NBA by a significant margin and they’re 5.2 points per 100 possessions better than the 10th best defensive team in the league pic.twitter.com/w58cOjB1K0
— Roosh (@RooshWilliams) December 16, 2023
Dillon Brooks after he hit this shot: “That’s why they paid me 4 for $80 (million)” https://t.co/Bd8cwUJ6dU
— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) December 16, 2023
Pretty remarkable for Dillon Brooks to rise to the occasion that way. Fitting, too, that the Rockets got the win in a grit 'n grind kind of game. https://t.co/CeX8jTA8wf
— Jonathan Feigen (@Jonathan_Feigen) December 16, 2023
Alperen Sengun (15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 steals) went 7-of-7 on free throws tonight. Exactly the improvement he needs.
To win any NBA road game, you need to execute at the margins. That's a "little thing" that had to go your way after falling behind by 17 early
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) December 16, 2023
Desmond Bane poked the bear and paid for it. pic.twitter.com/HDk5y4Q7YH
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) December 16, 2023
Dillon the Villain. What a shot. What a hilariously ugly game. pic.twitter.com/CwbyZYqIKk
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) December 16, 2023
The Rockets will move to 9 games up on the Grizzlies in the loss column and they now own the tiebreaker. That is a lot of ground to make up
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) December 16, 2023
Dillon Brooks giving the team that publicly (and unnecessarily) told the world they weren’t having him back “under no circumstances” 26 points including the dagger, is *chef’s kiss*
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) December 16, 2023
The #Rockets pace has something to do w/it but their DEFENSE is real. How are they 7-3 in the last 10 when their starters have TS% #'s like this in that stretch? #Defense 🔒
Jabari 58.5
Green 53.6
Brooks 52.6
VanVleet 52.5
Sengun 52.4The offense will come. pic.twitter.com/bE9MhAlqHI
— Don Dougan (@don_dougan) December 16, 2023
Look at the Houston #Rockets man. pic.twitter.com/SSjprHJR2v
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) December 16, 2023
