Key Takeaways:
- Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant both registered 33 points as the Houston Rockets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 108-99
- The Rockets went on a decisive 21-9 run in the opening seven minutes of the fourth quarter to secure their fifth win in six games
- Both sides encountered shooting difficulties in the first half, with Memphis leading 54-51 despite converting only 37% of their field goals
Fourth Quarter Surge Proves Pivotal for Houston
On Monday night in Houston, the Rockets rallied from a one-point deficit at the start of the fourth quarter to clinch a 108-99 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. The home side seized the momentum with a commanding 21-9 burst over the first seven minutes of the final period, spelling the difference in a tightly contested encounter. This win marks Houston’s fifth success in their last six outings.
Finished strong ☑️#AllFire pic.twitter.com/89pQPvqZe2
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 27, 2026
Sengun and Durant Shine; Eason Delivers First Half Impact
Alperen Sengun delivered an outstanding performance, finishing with 33 points on 15-for-17 shooting, including a flawless 7-for-7 in the opening half. He also tallied nine rebounds and six assists. Kevin Durant matched Sengun’s 33-point night, helping to keep the Rockets’ offence in rhythm throughout. Tari Eason contributed 17 points, 11 of which arrived before the interval, while Amen Thompson provided a spark off the bench with 14 assists paired with eight points.
Reed Sheppard, who earned a Rising Stars selection earlier on Monday, struggled from the floor for Houston, making just two of eleven attempts and missing all seven of his efforts from three-point range.
Grizzlies’ Recent Struggles Continue
For Memphis, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama each registered 17 points. GG Jackson contributed 14, Jaylen Wells added 12, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided 11. Cam Spencer, also honoured with a Rising Stars nod alongside Wells and Cedric Coward, amassed 14 assists and five points.
The Grizzlies dropped their third consecutive contest, having now lost four of their last five and ten of the previous thirteen games. They were again without two-time All-Star Ja Morant, who is sidelined with a sprained left elbow ligament and is expected to miss at least three more weeks following an injury sustained in last Wednesday’s 124-122 defeat to Atlanta.
Poor Shooting Plagues Both Sides in First Half
Both teams endured a challenging first half from the floor. The Grizzlies held a slender 54-51 lead at the break despite converting just 21 of 57 attempts (37%), including only 4 of 19 from beyond the arc (21%). Houston fared only marginally better, knocking down 20 of 51 attempts (39%) and 5 of 20 (20%) from three-point distance.
| Team | First Half Score | Final Score |
|---|---|---|
| Houston Rockets | 51 | 108 |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 54 | 99 |
Closing Stretch and Upcoming Fixtures
After slipping behind 77-76 at the onset of the fourth, Houston responded authoritatively with a 12-2 surge to take command. While Memphis showed resilience in the final minutes, they ultimately could not erase the deficit.
The Grizzlies are next in action at home, hosting the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. The Rockets will remain in Houston to welcome the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.
