The Grizzlies Hold Off Chandler Parsons and the Rockets in a 88-87 Win.

This game was awful, awesome, and then awful again. The Rockets lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in a gut-wrenching 88-87 loss. This marks the first time the Memphis Grizzlies have won a division game this season, making their record 1-10 against the SouthWest.

It was a tale of two halves. The Rockets came out of the gate sluggish and were unable to hit a shot to save their lives. They finished the half shooting 1-12 from three point land and 33% overall on the half, but managed to keep the score 44-35 as halftime rolled along. Then something happened. The Rockets and specifically Chandler Parsons came out of the locker room red hot. They  were making everything, and I mean everything. Their defense was forcing stops and it seemed like the Rockets had this one in the bag. Sadly, their hot shooting and ball hawking defense didn't last the whole half as they went cold during the end of the game and ended up with the loss. I'm not going to dwell on it, so let's look at other aspects of the game. Like Chandler Parsons.

Chandler Parsons' Career Night

Chandler was 0-3 from behind the arc during the first half, but the second half was a different story. Chandler hit 6 three-pointers in the 3rd quarter while following up with 4 in the 4th. Oh, and all of them were consecutive. This marks not only a new franchise record for 3s made in a game, passing Robert Horry and Jeremy Lin, but it also marks an NBA-record 10 threes made in a half! He was pulling up from all types of distances and didn't care who was in front of him to contest his shot. He was truly cold-blooded and left me without a drip of testosterone. He is truly perfect.

James Johnson: Rocket Killer (?):

This marks the second game in a row where James Johnson has lit up the Rockets. The last meeting between the Grizzlies and the Rockets he had 12 points and 5 rebounds, tonight he had 10 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks. Remember, he was a mid-season signing for the Grizzlies, so for him to be putting up these stat lines is very impressive. I'm not going to anoint him the next Jason Terry or David West just yet, but if he keeps this up after tomorrow's game, we might have another player to worry about when he plays Houston.

Late Game Difficulties:

The game was close throughout the fourth quarter, but as it wound down, the Rockets went down with it. Ineffective Harden isolations, bad play calling, and decision making doomed the Rockets. Take the final play for example, with 8 seconds left Chandler was inbounded the ball 35+ feet from the basket and there was very little movement from the Rockets on offense. This resulted in a failed pick and roll attempt and then a pass to Patrick Beverley at the end for a hail mary  three pointer. This was just one example of multiple bad plays at the end of the game, which ultimately doomed the Rockets' attempt at a comeback.

Honestly, I'm over this game. I was on an emotional high watching Chandler Parsons dominate, so for them to lose the way they did is heart-breaking. I'm sure y'all have plenty of thoughts about this game, let us know what they are in the comments section!