The Memphis Grizzlies lost to the Houston Rockets 120-118 at the Toyota Center on Tuesday. The game was an entertaining back-and-forth showdown. It featured the current second and third seeds in the Western Conference battling for position.
Grizzlies Fall to Rockets: A Major Wake-Up Call for Memphis
The Grizzlies loss on Tuesday dropped their record to 0-3 against Houston this season. Memphis is now 26-15 overall (after Wednesday’s win against the Spurs), leaving them two games behind the Rockets. Houston has now secured the tiebreaker with three wins over the Grizzlies. With only one matchup remaining between the two teams, this loss could have significant implications for playoff seeding as the season progresses. The tiebreaker advantage gives Houston a clear edge in the standings.
Houston’s Rise and Memphis’ Struggles
The Rockets are a young and energetic team with an excellent defense. They also boast a balanced offense, featuring multiple players capable of breakout performances at any time. However, the hard truth is that the Rockets are in a position similar to where the Grizzlies were just a few seasons ago. This should be the time for Memphis to blossom as a legitimate championship contender truly. Yet, instead of asserting dominance, the Grizzlies find themselves trailing a Houston team that is still in the early stages of development.
Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. have been the core of this Grizzlies team for several years. Memphis has multiple seasons of playoff experience under their belt. By now, they should be competing with the best teams in the league, like the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Boston Celtics. Instead, Memphis finds itself 0-3 against a young Rockets team that is breaking through for the first time this year.
Trade Deadline Approaches: Will Memphis Make a Move?
The Grizzlies cannot afford to let breakthrough teams like the Rockets rise out of nowhere and suddenly become more legitimate than them. Memphis has already explored making moves at the trade deadline. They actively pursued Dorian Finney-Smith, but the Lakers ultimately acquired him. The Grizzlies have also shown strong interest in Cam Johnson. However, the chances of completing a deal for Johnson are dwindling as the trade deadline approaches.
There were also rumors that Memphis might go after Jimmy Butler after he was suspended by the Miami Heat, but credible sources report that he would not want to be traded to the Grizzlies. With Butler having just a year left on his contract (a player option), his preferences will play a big role in any potential trade, and Memphis might not be on his list of desired destinations.
What is clear is that Memphis wants to make a move, and they appear to be targeting a 3-and-D style of player. But is another high-value role player enough for the Grizzlies to become a legitimate contender for the finals?
Does Memphis Need More Than a Role Player?
Memphis has a strong supporting cast, with a balanced frontcourt and versatile players who complement each other well. They have perimeter defenders and shooters capable of making an impact. Multiple players can step up and carry the scoring load on any given night. However, the team still lacks one key element: another bonafide elite superstar to pair with Morant.
For teams like the Denver Nuggets, having one elite superstar and a great supporting cast has proven to be enough, with Nikola Jokić leading the charge. Ja Morant is great, but he’s not yet at that level. The Grizzlies need to partner him with another superstar who can be a go-to player in clutch moments, particularly in the postseason. This is where Memphis falls short. Adding another high-impact player, rather than just a solid 3-and-D player, could make all the difference.
One possible trade target that hasn’t been discussed much, but could make sense for Memphis, is Zach LaVine. He’s averaging 23.8 points per game this season, shooting 45.5% from three and over 50% from the field. His ability to deliver explosive offensive performances on any given night makes him an ideal fit alongside Morant. He would provide Memphis with a balanced backcourt and serve as a second star for the team. This addition could help share the burden during critical moments in playoff games.
While there is no current speculation surrounding a potential LaVine trade, it’s the type of move Memphis should consider. The urgency is growing within the organization, and they cannot afford to let breakthrough teams like the Rockets pass them by.
Memphis Must Act Now
The Grizzlies have already allowed the Thunder to surpass them in recent seasons. They cannot allow the Rockets to do the same. Memphis must find a way to close the gap with the Thunder, not fall further behind them, or a team like Houston. The urgency within the Grizzlies front office must rise. If they don’t, they could easily get left behind in a Western Conference that is as loaded as ever.
It’s time for Memphis to act. Whether that means making a trade for a superstar or adding depth through another role player, the Grizzlies cannot afford to sit idle. They have the talent needed to be a championship contender. However, without a key move or a shift in strategy, they risk falling behind. Other teams—like the Rockets—could pass them by while Memphis struggles to keep up.
