Houston Rockets vs Memphis Grizzlies Match Player Stats & Game Analysis
Game Recap: What You Need to Know
The Houston Rockets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 108–99 on Monday, January 26, 2026, behind elite performances from Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün. Houston controlled the pace late, won the rebounding battle, and executed better in clutch moments.
Game Intro & Why This Match Matters
The Houston Rockets vs Memphis Grizzlies match player stats highlight a game where efficiency beat volume. Played on Monday, January 26, 2026, this matchup showed clear differences in shot selection, ball movement, and interior dominance.
Beyond the final score, this game matters because these same teams meet again on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The trends from this matchup already give context for what worked, what failed, and which players controlled the game when it mattered most.
Match Overview & Final Score Breakdown
Houston Rockets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 108–99, controlling the game through elite interior scoring and smarter possessions. Houston shot 44.6% from the field and dominated the glass, finishing with a 57–52 rebounding edge.
Memphis struggled offensively all night, shooting just 37.1% overall and a poor 18.9% from three-point range. Despite strong ball movement and effort on the boards, missed perimeter shots and inefficient scoring stretches prevented the Grizzlies from closing the gap late.
Rockets vs Grizzlies Performance Snapshot
Houston Rockets: Efficiency, Control, and Interior Power
Houston played with poise and structure. Their offense revolved around high-percentage looks in the paint, balanced playmaking, and controlled tempo. The Rockets consistently punished mismatches and avoided wasted possessions.
Defensively, Houston stayed disciplined. They limited Memphis’ transition chances and forced tough shots from deep. This approach allowed them to protect their lead even when Memphis tried to speed the game up.
Memphis Grizzlies: Hustle Without Conversion
Memphis competed hard, especially on the boards, but struggled to convert effort into points. Their offense lacked rhythm, particularly from beyond the arc, which allowed Houston’s defense to stay compact.
While ball movement was present, shot efficiency was not. Several long scoring droughts shifted momentum, forcing Memphis to play catch-up for most of the second half.
Houston Rockets Top Performers Stats
Houston’s win was powered by elite efficiency from its stars and strong secondary contributions. The numbers clearly show why the Rockets controlled this game.
1. Alperen Şengün — Dominant in the Paint
Stats
- Points: 33
- Rebounds: 9
- Assists: 6
- Steals: 1
- Blocks: 0
- Turnovers: 5
- Free Throws: 3/4
- Plus/Minus: +12
- Three-Pointers: 0/1
- Field Goals: 15/17 (88.2%)
Performance Insight
Şengün was simply unstoppable. Memphis had no answer for his footwork, touch, and patience inside. Every time the Grizzlies tried to close the gap, Houston went back to Şengün, and he delivered. This was one of the most efficient scoring performances of the season.
2. Kevin Durant — Clutch Scoring Presence
Stats
- Points: 33
- Rebounds: 8
- Assists: 2
- Steals: 0
- Blocks: 1
- Turnovers: 2
- Free Throws: 7/9
- Plus/Minus: +1
- Three-Pointers: 4/9
- Field Goals: 11/24 (45.8%)
Performance Insight
Durant controlled the game when it mattered most. His shot-making in the fourth quarter killed Memphis momentum. Even when shots weren’t falling early, his spacing and gravity opened the floor for others.
3. Amen Thompson — Floor General Energy
Stats
- Points: 8
- Rebounds: 8
- Assists: 14
- Steals: 1
- Blocks: 0
- Turnovers: 4
- Free Throws: 2/2
- Plus/Minus: +11
- Three-Pointers: 0/1
- Field Goals: 3/10 (30.0%)
Performance Insight
Thompson didn’t score much, but he ran the game. His passing tempo kept Houston organized, especially during Memphis runs. Those 14 assists were a major reason the Rockets’ offense never stalled.
4. Tari Eason — Two-Way Spark
Stats
- Points: 17
- Rebounds: 7
- Assists: 0
- Steals: 2
- Blocks: 1
- Turnovers: 3
- Free Throws: 1/2
- Plus/Minus: +10
- Three-Pointers: 4/8
- Field Goals: 6/17 (35.3%)
Performance Insight
Eason brought energy on both ends. His timely threes stretched Memphis’ defense, and his activity defensively helped Houston win key stretches in the second half.
5. Jabari Smith Jr. — Quiet but Useful
Stats
- Points: 8
- Rebounds: 8
- Assists: 2
- Steals: 2
- Blocks: 0
- Turnovers: 0
- Free Throws: 2/2
- Plus/Minus: +6
- Three-Pointers: 2/6
- Field Goals: 2/6 (33.3%)
Performance Insight
Smith didn’t dominate the box score, but his rebounding and defensive presence mattered. He helped limit second chances and stayed mistake-free, which fit Houston’s controlled approach.
Houston Rockets Bench Contribution
Houston’s bench didn’t overwhelm, but it did its job.
Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie provided defensive toughness, while role players kept the energy stable during rotation minutes. This was a bench that understood its role.
Memphis Grizzlies Top Performers – Match Player Stats
Despite the loss, Memphis had several bright individual efforts, mainly from its frontcourt. The issue was support and perimeter efficiency.
1. Jaren Jackson Jr. — Leading the Charge
Stats
- Points: 17
- Rebounds: 7
- Assists: 1
- Steals: 1
- Blocks: 2
- Turnovers: 1
- Free Throws: 0/0
- Plus/Minus: -10
- Three-Pointers: 1/5
- Field Goals: 8/17 (47.1%)
Performance Insight
Jackson carried Memphis for long stretches. His defense and interior scoring kept the Grizzlies competitive, but lack of spacing around him made his job harder late in the game.
2. Santi Aldama — Efficient Inside Scoring
Stats
- Points: 17
- Rebounds: 7
- Assists: 2
- Steals: 0
- Blocks: 0
- Turnovers: 1
- Free Throws: 2/3
- Plus/Minus: -5
- Three-Pointers: 1/2
- Field Goals: 7/12 (58.3%)
Performance Insight
Aldama was one of Memphis’ most reliable scorers. His efficiency stood out, but he didn’t get enough touches in the fourth quarter when Memphis needed steady offense.
3. GG Jackson — Aggressive but Streaky
Stats
- Points: 14
- Rebounds: 3
- Assists: 1
- Steals: 1
- Blocks: 0
- Turnovers: 0
- Free Throws: 2/3
- Plus/Minus: -4
- Three-Pointers: 0/6
- Field Goals: 6/16 (37.5%)
Performance Insight
Jackson attacked confidently, but the outside shot just wasn’t there. His missed threes reflected Memphis’ overall shooting struggles from deep.
4. Jaylen Wells — Mixed Impact
Stats
- Points: 12
- Rebounds: 6
- Assists: 0
- Steals: 1
- Blocks: 0
- Turnovers: 2
- Free Throws: 3/3
- Plus/Minus: -9
- Three-Pointers: 1/6
- Field Goals: 4/13 (30.8%)
Performance Insight
Wells had moments attacking the rim, but poor shooting efficiency hurt Memphis’ spacing. He couldn’t consistently punish Houston’s defensive rotations.
5. Cam Spencer — Playmaking Highlight
Stats
- Points: 5
- Rebounds: 5
- Assists: 13
- Steals: 1
- Blocks: 1
- Turnovers: 3
- Free Throws: 3/3
- Plus/Minus: -5
- Three-Pointers: 0/3
- Field Goals: 1/5 (20.0%)
Performance Insight
Spencer’s 13 assists showed strong court vision, but his lack of scoring threat allowed Houston to sit back defensively and close passing lanes late.
Memphis Grizzlies Bench Contribution
Memphis got solid hustle minutes from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Vince Williams Jr., but overall bench scoring was inconsistent. Without reliable perimeter shooting from the second unit, Memphis struggled to keep pace.
Team Stats Comparison – Rockets vs Grizzlies
| Stat Category | Houston Rockets | Memphis Grizzlies |
|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 44.6% | 37.1% |
| Three-Point % | 29.7% | 18.9% |
| Free Throws | 15/20 | 14/17 |
| Total Rebounds | 57 | 52 |
| Assists | 29 | 26 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 13 |
| Blocks | 3 | 5 |
| Plus/Minus | +9 | -9 |
| Points | 108 | 99 |
For readers tracking broader trends, this matchup fits a pattern we’ve seen in other match player stats breakdowns where shooting efficiency outweighs raw defensive numbers.
Houston’s edge came from efficient interior scoring and ball movement. Memphis defended well but struggled badly from deep, which killed spacing late. If you want to explore just next day from 26th January match between La Clipers & Utaz Jazz, we have got you covered.
Momentum Shifts That Defined the Game
First Quarter – Memphis Sets the Tone
The Grizzlies opened with energy, attacking early and forcing Houston into tough looks. Morant’s downhill pressure gave Memphis early confidence.
Second & Third Quarter – Houston Takes Control
This is where the game flipped. Şengün dominated inside, while VanVleet slowed the pace and picked apart rotations. Houston quietly built separation without flashy runs.
Fourth Quarter – Rockets Close It Out
Memphis tried to respond with defensive stops, but poor three-point shooting hurt them again. Houston stayed patient, took high-percentage shots, and closed cleanly.
Game Flow & Tactical Adjustments
Houston leaned into paint scoring and playmaking, trusting Şengün and cutters instead of forcing jumpers. That decision paid off as Memphis collapsed repeatedly.
Memphis adjusted defensively by switching more often, but without consistent perimeter scoring, those stops didn’t convert into runs.
This kind of game control is something we’ve also seen in recent Houston matchups covered on NBA Stats Time when they dictate tempo rather than chase it.
What the Numbers Really Say
- Houston didn’t win with shooting — they won with decision-making
- Memphis defended well enough to stay close, but 18.9% from three is too low to survive
- Rebounding and assist margins quietly tilted the game
If you’re following team trends, this game adds another data point to Houston’s growing profile in NBA team stats comparisons this season.
Why This Match Matters Before the Next Rockets vs Grizzlies Game
This result sets the tone for the upcoming rematch on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Houston will likely repeat its inside-first approach, while Memphis must fix spacing and perimeter efficiency.
If the Grizzlies can’t stretch the floor, Houston’s defensive rotations will stay compact — making life harder for their guards again.
FAQs
Who won the Rockets vs Grizzlies last match?
The Houston Rockets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 108–99, controlling the game through efficient interior scoring and ball movement.
Who was the top performer in the Rockets vs Grizzlies lastest match?
Alperen Şengün led Houston with 33 points and 9 rebounds, dominating the paint and dictating tempo.
Why did the Grizzlies struggle offensively?
Memphis shot just 18.9% from three-point range, which allowed Houston to pack the paint and limit driving lanes.
How did Houston control the game?
Houston relied on half-court execution, post scoring, and smart passing rather than fast-break offense.
What does this result mean for the next matchup?
Houston enters the rematch with a clear tactical edge, while Memphis must improve perimeter shooting and spacing.
Which team won the rebounding battle?
Houston outrebounded Memphis 57–52, gaining extra possessions in key moments.
Was defense or offense the deciding factor?
Offense — specifically shot efficiency and decision-making — played the bigger role than defensive metrics.
When is the next Rockets vs Grizzlies game?
Their next matchup is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026.
Final Thoughts
This Rockets vs Grizzlies matchup wasn’t about highlight runs — it was about control.
Houston stayed patient, trusted its system, and punished Memphis’ shooting struggles with consistent inside scoring.
Alperen Şengün’s presence shifted defensive priorities, while Houston’s supporting cast kept the floor balanced. Memphis fought hard but never found reliable rhythm beyond the arc.
