Rockets Bench Shines in Blowout Win Over Grizzlies

With stars rested, role players step up in season finale

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:59am

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game, with players' forms dissolving into expressive brushstrokes, capturing the raw athleticism and excitement of the Rockets' bench players' performance.The Rockets' bench unit shines in a season-ending blowout, showcasing the team's strategic depth and future potential.Houston Today

In the Houston Rockets' final regular season game, the team's bench unit stepped up in a big way, routing the Memphis Grizzlies 132-101. With stars like Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun rested, veteran center Clint Capela led the way with a season-high 23 points and 13 rebounds, while young talents Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard also had strong performances. The game highlighted the Rockets' strategic depth and ability to develop emerging players, even as the short-handed Grizzlies struggled through a disappointing 25-57 season.

Why it matters

The Rockets' decision to rest their starters allowed lesser-known players to showcase their skills, providing valuable insight into the team's depth and future potential. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies' struggles this season could lead to an offseason of reassessment and rebuilding, as the franchise looks to bounce back stronger next year.

The details

With their playoff position already secured, the Rockets opted to rest their star players for the regular season finale against the Grizzlies. This opened the door for veteran center Clint Capela to shine, as he recorded a season-high 23 points and 13 rebounds. Young talents Tari Eason and Reed Sheppard also had standout performances, with Eason contributing 20 points and 8 assists, and Sheppard adding 19 points. The Grizzlies, plagued by injuries, dressed only 8 players for the game, including 40-year-old Taj Gibson and 39-year-old Jeff Green.

  • The Houston Rockets' final regular season game was played on April 13, 2026.
  • The Grizzlies ended their season with a 25-57 record.

The players

Clint Capela

A veteran center with 12 years of NBA experience, who stepped up with a season-high 23 points and 13 rebounds in the Rockets' blowout win.

Tari Eason

A rising young talent for the Rockets, who contributed 20 points and 8 assists in the game, showcasing his potential.

Reed Sheppard

The only Rockets player to appear in all 82 games this season, Sheppard added 19 points in the win, demonstrating his consistency and dedication.

Taj Gibson

The 40-year-old veteran forward suited up for the short-handed Grizzlies in the season finale.

Jeff Green

The 39-year-old forward, who has faced Taj Gibson on the court since 2010, also played for the Grizzlies in the game.

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What’s next

The Rockets will now turn their attention to the playoffs, where they will face the Lakers in the first round. The Grizzlies will use the offseason to reassess their strategy and look to bounce back stronger next year.

The takeaway

The Rockets' approach to player rotation and development, which allowed lesser-known players to shine in the season finale, is a model for modern NBA teams. It emphasizes the importance of a holistic team strategy, where every player has a role to play and the potential to contribute.