Dec 26, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince (21) during the game at FedExForum. Houston Rockets beat Memphis Grizzlies 117 - 111.
Dec 26, 2014; Memphis, TN, USA; Houston Rockets forward Josh Smith (5) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies forward Tayshaun Prince (21) during the game at FedExForum. Houston Rockets beat Memphis Grizzlies 117 - 111. REUTERS

A change of scenery may have done wonders for beleaguered forward Josh Smith. The former Detroit Pistons player completed his first game in a Houston Rockets jersey in impressive fashion and was instrumental in thrusting the Rockets further in the Western Conference standings by beating the Memphis Grizzlies in the extra period, 117-111.

The lefty forward tallied 21 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists off the bench and had a vicious two handed dunk off the pass of James Harden. Smith still had some questionable shots which hounded his entire career including an air ball three in the third quarter. Nevertheless, the Rockets were able to nudge the erstwhile Southwest division leaders Grizzlies who are now nursing a four-game losing streak sans veteran power forward Zach Randolph, currently out with a sore knee. Harden led the way for the Rockets with his near triple double line of 32 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists all of which were essential given that Dwight Howard battled foul trouble the whole night and had a paltry 6 points and 11 rebounds.

The Rockets led early in the fourth quarter only to watch their double digit lead dwindle down due to the efforts of Marc Gasol (29 points, 8 rebounds), Vince Carter who had a pair of triples in the final quarter to inch his team closer, and Beno Udrih who was fantastic off the bench with 17 markers. The Grizzlies had the chance to complete the comeback but Gasol's jumper at the end of regulation bounced off the rim. In the extra period, Howard made four free throws while Trevor Ariza made a three pointer to secure the win for the home team.

The victory was an encouraging sign of things to come for the suddenly deep Rockets. The team lost out in free agency and saw their substitutes such as Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik change teams and Chandler Parsons agreeing to a contract with the rival Dallas Mavericks. General Manager Daryl Morey has now done an impressive job of re-shaping the roster on the fly by acquiring Minnesota Timberwolves forward Corey Brewer, Smith and Jason Terry to shore up the previously thin bench.