Houston Rockets Bridle Memphis Grizzlies 105-96

You know what? Your Houston Rockets are 14-4!

The way the Rockets are continuing to win is nothing short of inspiring.

I’m sure many critics have said that the Rockets haven’t played any meaningful competition during this span.

Well, that’s changed.

The Memphis Grizzlies were tied with the Golden State Warriors for the league’s best record and Rockets were able to maintain poise and have control over an obviously-talented team that is enjoying likely its best start in franchise history.

How are they doing it?

Rockets’ players that are normally relegated to the bench are out on the court starting logging quality minutes.

Donatas Motiejunas, Jason Terry, Tarik Black, Kostas Papanikolaou — these are just some of the guys that are making difference out on the court.

And they’re playing defense, that’s what’s making a difference.

We had longed for our Rockets to do so over the past few seasons and they’re finally doing it.

Defense wins championships but I won’t go as far as to say that it’s the Rockets’ eventual fate.

It’s a long season and they’re 64 more games to go.

So let’s celebrate these mini-successes and move on to the next one.

Anyway, let’s get to it!

The Grizzlies did jump out to an 8-0 lead in the first quarter with a medley of hook and jump shots that seemed to overpower the Rockets at first.

That run was lead by Tony Allen, Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph.

But Jason Terry started to sizzle from the field and not only put the Rockets on the board but got them back into the game.

Dec 3, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jason Terry (31) shoots during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Grizzlies 105-96. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

With the assistance of Trevor Ariza and D-Mo, they took their first lead of the game with 3:15 left after chipping away at the Grizz’ lead. Rockets 23, Grizzlies 21

Allen tied the game with two free throws at 23-all off a Joey Dorsey foul.

Then it was all Rockets all the way to the end of the 1st with James Harden sinking some free throws and adding a three-ball coupled with a power slam from D-Mo.

The Rockets would lead the Grizz 34-28 at the end of the 1st.

In the 2nd quarter, the Rockets clamped up on defense even more as their lead was by much as 18 points with 3:03 left to go in the first half.

It was a effort in concert by the team capped off by a Black layup. Rockets 58, Grizzlies 40

The Rockets would continue to dominate and lead the Grizz at half 58-46.

It was more of the same at the start of the 2nd half with the Rockets firmly in control of the game starting with an 8-0 run taking a 68-46 lead with 10:13 left. That run was lead by Black, Terry, Motiejunas and Ariza.

The Rockets took their largest lead of the game at 26 points off a ferocious and finesse And-1 that was converted by Harden with 3:17 left in the third. Rockets 86, Grizzlies 60

The Rockets holding the Grizz to 60 points through almost three quarters?!? Wow!

Dec 3, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) controls the ball during the first quarter as Houston Rockets forward Tarik Black (10) defends at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

With the Grizz safely at bay, Kevin McHale decided to pull Harden from the game with 2:33 left for some rest; luckily, he did not have to come back into the game.

Again, the team maintained their poise to lead at the end of the third quarter 94-68.

The Rockets continued to domineer through the 4th quarter and highlight was that we got to see Clint Capela, our first-round pick do some work!

He was recently called up from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers — our D-League affiliate — because of his strong play there and the obvious need for a big man in the paint with Dwight Howard out tending to his sore knees.

He is still a bit rough around the edges but still good enough to provide some help off the bench.

He seemed a bit nervous out there but I know his stellar shot-blocking and rebounding capabilities will be useful as he gets familiar with McHale’s system.

There were a myriad of turnovers by the Rockets’ bench to allow the Grizz to pull within nine points of game; but, by then, the Rockets had this game in their back pocket. Final Score: Rockets 105, Grizzlies 96

Once again, the Rockets got this deal sealed with defense — they only shot 44 percent (41-for-93) from the field and connected on only 36 percent (10-for-28) of their three-pointers.

They out-rebounded the Grizz 52-39 by a margin of 13.

Dec 3, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Joey Dorsey (8) and Memphis Grizzlies forward

Jarnell Stokes

(1) battle for a loose ball during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. The Rockets defeated the Grizzlies 105-96. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Harden led all scorers with 21 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals and one amazing block that I got on feet for with 10:20 left in third quarter on Randolph!

Terry was extremely reliable — scoring 16 points, adding five dimes and four steals.

D-Mo chipped in 15/7 with one block and a array of svelte low-post moves that would make your Mother scream in jubilation!

Black dropped a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds in 23 minutes of action.

I was also extremely impressed with the play of Joey Dorsey — he wiped the glass clean with eight boards, seven points and three blocks in 21 minutes of action.

I’m just pleased with how hard the Rockets have played and I hope it continues!