NBA NEWS
Grizzlies Drop Opener Against Rockets
Published by MoonDog on October 30, 2008
Yao Ming scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds and newly acquired Ron Artest added 16 points in his Houston debut as the Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 82-71 on Wednesday night in the season opener for both teams.
The young Grizzlies played well for much of the game, at one point leading the Rockets by one early in the fourth quarter.
But Houston overcame that deficit and pulled away late, getting a huge three-pointer from Rafer Alston with 0:37 remaining to give Houston a 78-71 lead.
Memphis Grizzlies Forward Rudy Gay Drives Against the Houston Rockets Ron Artest
Both teams shot poorly from the field, with Memphis hitting only 38% including 0-for-13 from 3-point range.
Houston wasn’t much better, shooting just under 37% but the Rockets did manage to hit 5-of-16 three-pointers.
Memphis outrebounded Houston 49-44, led by rookie Darrell Arthur with 15. He also added 11 points in 27 minutes.
The Grizzlies were led by Rudy Gay with 20 points and Pau Gasol’s brother Marc, acquired this past July as part of last season’s deal that sent Pau to the Lakers, added 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Luis Scola had 12 points and 13 rebounds for the Rockets while Tracy McGrady added 16 points and five assists.
The Grizzlies inexperience showed for much of the game, especially in the fourth quarter. Memphis was called for three offensive fouls and only managed to score 14 points in the quarter.
But for the first time in two seasons, the Grizzlies looked like a team that can compete. They played defense, contesting every shot and clearly frustrated the veteran Rockets throughout the game.
“We took some big strides,” Gay said. “We will learn from this. It was a little sloppy. We were scrappy and that is what we need to do to be successful.”
Houston jumped out to an early 11-2 lead behind Artest who had two steals and a breakaway layup in the first minute of the game.
But Artest and McGrady both had two turnovers apiece in the first quarter to help the Grizzlies stay close.
The Rockets led 43-37 at the break, but McGrady walked off the floor with his hands on his hips and a frustrated on his face look after going 4-for-10 from the field.
Memphis’ O.J. Mayo, acquired in a draft day trade with the Timberwolves, scored 10 points in his debut. Mayo struggled with his shot, finishing 5-for-20 from the field while adding five rebounds.
The Grizzlies will host the Orlando Magic Friday in their home opener.
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