Rockets Defeat Grizzlies 119-109 Behind Durant's 25 Points

Jabari Smith Jr. chips in 21 points as Houston rallies in the fourth quarter.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 3:08am

The Houston Rockets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 119-109 on Tuesday night, led by a 25-point performance from star forward Kevin Durant. Rookie Jabari Smith Jr. also contributed 21 points to the Rockets' victory, which saw the home team pull away in the fourth quarter.

Why it matters

This win continues the Rockets' strong start to the season and keeps them in the hunt for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference. Durant's leadership and scoring ability were crucial in the comeback, while Smith's continued development is an encouraging sign for Houston's future.

The details

The Rockets trailed for much of the game, but Durant took over in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 of his 25 points in the final period to lead the charge. Smith provided a solid complementary effort, knocking down several key shots to help Houston pull away late.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Kevin Durant

A veteran forward and one of the NBA's premier scorers, Durant led the Rockets' comeback with a 25-point performance.

Jabari Smith Jr.

A promising rookie forward for the Rockets, Smith contributed 21 points to the victory.

Houston Rockets

The NBA team based in Houston, Texas that secured the win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Memphis Grizzlies

The NBA team based in Memphis, Tennessee that fell to the Rockets in this matchup.

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What they’re saying

“Kevin really took over in that fourth quarter and willed us to the win. That's why he's one of the best players in the league.”

— Jabari Smith Jr., Rockets Forward

The takeaway

The Rockets' victory over the Grizzlies showcases their ability to rally behind their star players and win close games, an important skill as they continue to push for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.