The Houston Rockets used a decisive fourth-quarter surge, led by Kevin Durant, to pull away from the Memphis Grizzlies for a 119-109 win on Friday night.
Durant finished with 25 points and 10 assists, taking over in the final period to snap Houston’s two-game skid. Jabari Smith Jr. delivered a strong double-double with 21 points and 16 rebounds, while Amen Thompson added 18 points in a balanced offensive effort.
Memphis stayed within striking distance deep into the fourth quarter, trailing just 96-93 with about seven minutes remaining. But Durant quickly shifted the momentum, knocking down a three-pointer that ignited a 14-3 Rockets run. The burst stretched Houston’s lead to 110-96 and effectively put the game out of reach.
The Grizzlies were led by Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who poured in a career-high 31 points along with seven rebounds. GG Jackson and Javon Small each chipped in 14 points, but Memphis dropped its fifth straight game and has now lost 13 of its last 14 amid a wave of injuries.
Houston held a 56-49 lead at halftime behind 10 points apiece from Reed Sheppard and Alperen Sengun. The game remained tight through much of the third quarter before the Rockets created some separation late in the period, carrying an 87-82 advantage into the fourth.
With the win, Houston укрепила its position in the Western Conference playoff race, sitting in sixth place and closing the gap on the fifth-place Minnesota Timberwolves while maintaining breathing room over the Phoenix Suns.
The injury-riddled Grizzlies, meanwhile, continue to struggle down the stretch of the regular season, with 10 players sidelined as they look toward improving their draft lottery position.
Up next: the Rockets wrap up a four-game road trip against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, while the Grizzlies return home to host the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night.
