Sloppy fourth dooms Rockets against Grizzlies

Photo courtesy of Michael Wyke/USA TODAY Sports

It was close, until it wasn't.

A tight affair between the Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night ended unfavorably for the hometown team, as Memphis stormed ahead in the fourth quarter and won the game 120-110.

It was as tight as tight could get early on. Houston outscored Memphis by four in the first quarter, before the Grizzlies returned the favor in the second quarter. The two teams went into the locker room at halftime at an even 57-57 stalemate.

For the second straight game, it was newest Rocket Kelly Olynyk leading the show for Houston. He entered the break leading the Rockets in scoring with 15 points, along with six rebounds. Rookie sensation Jae'Sean Tate also had 13 points at half.

It was much of the same in the third quarter, as another back-and-forth twelve minutes saw the Rockets taking a one point lead into the final frame. In addition to how close the lead was, it was also shaping up to be a high-scoring affair; whoever blinked first in terms of scoring would come out the losers.

Spoiler -- the Grizzlies did not blink first.

The Rockets were able to create open looks in the final quarter, but fatigue finally seemed to catch up the squad late, and Houston went a mere 3-13 shooting from deep.

Memphis, as is commonplace for a franchise known for their grit and grind, was able to string together some clutch defensive stops late, holding the Rockets scoreless for a stretch of just under six minutes in the fourth quarter.

In the end, the dominance of Memphis' defense late, as well as center Jonas Valanciunas' overall play throughout the contest (30 points, 15 rebounds) was too much for the Rockets to overcome.

Still, it was a much more positive performance than their last outing against the Grizzlies, which saw them lose by a whopping 49 points on February 28. Losing by ten, while missing centerpiece Christian Wood to illness, is hardly a reason for a team to get down on itself.

Kelly Olynyk notched a season-high in points in the loss, finishing with 25 points and nine rebounds. Jae'Sean Tate, who himself finished with a respectable 24 points and seven rebounds, spoke on Olynyk's fit with the team in his limited action in Houston. "He opens up things a lot, not just with his scoring ability, but with his ability to find the open man... he's been great."

That level of trust only figures to grow as Olynyk develops chemistry with the team moving forward.

Houston's next game will come against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, in the team's second duel with former Rocket James Harden. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 PM CT.