Big First Quarter By Memphis Grounds Rockets 109-97

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Game Recap

The Memphis Grizzlies outscored the Houston Rockets by double digits in the first quarter of their game Monday night, and went on to win the contest 109-97. The crowd at the Fed-Ex Forum in Memphis saw their team shoot 51.3% (39-76) from the floor for the game as six players scored in double figures. The Grizzlies scored the opening points of the contest and never surrendered the lead.

Memphis started out the game on a 10-0 run, and the Rockets never really recovered. At the end of the first quarter the Grizzlies were on top 32-19. Rookie O.J. Mayo hit an outside shot with 7:09 remaining in the second to give Memphis a 20 point advantage 44-24. Houston found their shooting touch and climbed back within hailing distance at the half as the Grizzlies led 56-47.

The Rockets made their run at the start of the third quarter. Von Wafer starting for the injured Tracy McGrady drained an outside shot with 6:37 left in the quarter, and Houston was one possession away from tying the game down 64-62. Whether the Rockets ran out of fuel, or Memphis increased their defensive intensity, they soon fell behind, and by the end of the period the Grizzlies lead was a healthy 83-75. Greg Buckner hit a pair at the line with 9:57 left to play to put Memphis up 91-80. Houston never came within single digits the rest of the game.

Rudy Gay came off the bench and had 20 points, 2 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block, in the Memphis victory. Hakim Warrick also came up big off the bench with 18 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 assist, while O.J. Mayo also scored 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. Kyle Lowry added 11 points, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 rebound, while Marc Gasol scored 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, 3 steals. Mike Conley came off the bench and put in 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist.

Luis Scola led the Rockets as he recorded a double-double, 16 points, 15 boards, and 3 assists, while Rafer Alston added 16 points, 8 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal. Von Wafer scored 15 points, and had 1 rebound, Yao Ming put in 14 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block. Aaron Brooks came off the pine and had 14 points, 2 assists, and 1 block, while Carl Landry chipped in with 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal. Memphis now has a 6-15 record, the Rockets are 13-8.

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