The Memphis Grizzlies have secured a playoff spot with a 151-114 victory over the Houston Rockets. The Grizzlies, who have been fighting for a spot in the playoffs all season, have now clinched their first playoff appearance since 2017.
The Grizzlies were led by Ja Morant, who scored a career-high 35 points and added 10 assists. Morant was joined by Dillon Brooks, who scored 24 points, and Jonas Valanciunas, who had 22 points and 11 rebounds. The Grizzlies also got contributions from Kyle Anderson, who had 16 points and 9 rebounds, and De’Anthony Melton, who added 15 points and 7 assists.
The Rockets were led by James Harden, who scored 29 points and added 10 assists. He was joined by Russell Westbrook, who had 19 points and 8 assists, and Eric Gordon, who added 17 points.
The Grizzlies were able to take control of the game early on, leading by as many as 20 points in the first half. The Rockets were able to cut the lead to 6 points in the third quarter, but the Grizzlies were able to pull away in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.
The Grizzlies have now secured their first playoff appearance since 2017. They will face either the Los Angeles Lakers or the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs. It will be an exciting matchup for the Grizzlies, as they look to make a deep run in the playoffs.
The Grizzlies have been led all season by Morant and Brooks, who have both been playing at an All-Star level. The team has also received contributions from Valanciunas and Anderson, who have both been key pieces for the team this season. With the playoffs now secured, the Grizzlies will look to make a deep run and prove that they are a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.
