Rockets vs. Grizzlies recap: Poor shooting leads to first loss

The Rockets suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies.

The Houston Rockets (3-1) could not shoot the 3 throughout the game and that cost them. The Grizzlies (3-0) took advantage and came back from down 10 in the 4th quarter to win 98-90.

It was a pretty ugly game for the Rockets who would soon like to forget it ever happened. Let’s look at some key statistics:

The Stats

Eric Gordon – 27 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists

James Harden – 22 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists

Clint Capela – 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks

Eric Gordon continues his fantastic season. He looks more explosive now than he has in many years. James Harden had a pretty lazy game all around. His defense was poor and he shot just 4/8 from the free throw line with 7 turnovers.

Luc Mbah a Moute had a great game that the stat sheet won’t tell you. He had 8 points and 2 rebounds, including this wild play:

Play of the first half as the second is underway:

Via @HoustonRockets pic.twitter.com/1KnUObMxrc

— Space City Scoop (@SpaceCity_Scoop) October 24, 2017

Officiating

Though you cannot blame hardly any loss on officiating, this game was about as close as you can get. There were questionable calls throughout the night, especially this one:

When the ref gets in the game. Lmao, he done f’d up BEEG TIME. Cost the Rockets dearly pic.twitter.com/CTBImF6GZm

— BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) October 24, 2017

Why in the world is the official in the middle of the play right there? There was a minute left and it was a big possession for the Rockets. Instead, the ball went the other way because the ref is “a part of the court.” Rough call for Houston.

There were also a few plays where Rockets players would get pushed/hit and then get called for the foul. It was a bad night for the officials.

Still, the Rockets have to be better from the 3-point line. That’s what cost them this game. 9/38 from deep is unacceptable. Thankfully, it is the beginning of the season.

Also, the Rockets need to work on ball movement late in games. Once the last few minutes come around, it was all Harden and Gordon iso-ball. That resulted in just 2 points during the last 6 minutes of the game.

Guard depth is a big issue with Chris Paul out right now. Demetrius Jackson isn’t cutting it. Will newest Rocket Briante Weber get a look next game?

Tempers Flare

Lastly, there was a notable tussle in the game. Mario Chalmers grabbed onto the ankle of James Harden and kind of pulled. Harden took offense. Take a look:

James Harden wasn't having it. pic.twitter.com/qzKtxpIpKV

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 24, 2017

Hopefully, no further action is taken by the NBA. Both players were given technical fouls after review and Harden was called for an offensive foul.

The Rockets will look to bounce back on Wednesday vs. the Philadelphia 76ers.

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Next: James Harden named Western Conference Player of the Week