The Memphis Grizzlies took the 102-93 win on the road against the Houston Rockets on Wednesday (Thursday in Australia) behind a balanced attack from their offence and despite 40 points from Rockets star guard James Harden.

All five Memphis’ starters finished in double-figure scoring, led by Jeff Green, who had 20 points and 7 rebounds. Mike Conley shot an efficient 7-of-9 field goals on the way to 19 points plus 5 steals while Marc Gasol (11 points and 7 rebounds), Matt Barnes (13 points and 8 rebounds) and Tony Allen (10 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals) all contributed.

Off the bench, the Grizzlies got 17 points from Courtney Lee, matching the Houston’s bench total.

The Rockets’ loss was their 10th in the season and with only five wins to show for, Houston now has one of the worst records not only in the Western Conference but the entire league. The Rockets have lost three in a row and has won a single game in their last eight outings.

Harden tried to tow his team to the victory scoring 40 points on 12-of-19 shooting with 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals but the Rockets just couldn’t crack the Grizzlies’ defence especially late in the game.

It was a close affair for most of the evening with Memphis holding an 82-77 lead entering the final quarter. However the Grizzlies pulled away late with timely baskets from Conley and Lee, who bounced back after shooting 0-of-5 field goals and zero points in their previous game. Starting power forward Zach Randolph was out for the Grizzlies due to an injured right knee.

After struggling in the early part of the season, the Grizzlies are now two games above 0.500 at 9-7 and have won six of their last seven games. Memphis hosts the Atlanta Hawks and Philadelphia 76ers in their next two games.

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