Rockets 93 - 113 Grizzlies
Final
  for this game

Randolph leads Grizzlies to first win

Dec 31, 2011 - 5:30 AM Memphis, TN (Sports Network) - Zach Randolph finished with 23 points and nine rebounds, and the Memphis Grizzlies picked up their first win of the season with a 113-93 defeat of the Houston Rockets.

Marc Gasol added 20 points and eight boards for the Grizzlies, who opened their season with a loss at San Antonio before suffering a 98-95 defeat against Oklahoma City on Wednesday.

The Grizzlies won Friday by making 56 percent of their shots -- though not one of them was a three-pointer. Defense also played a big part in Memphis' win.

"We were consistent, we were focused, we were talking," said Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins. "That's the best defense I've seen Zach play since he's been here."

Kevin Martin scored 21 points to lead the Rockets, who were coming off Thursday's 105-85 home victory against the Spurs.

The Grizzlies held a 30-28 edge after a close first quarter, and began to create some distance early in the second. Randolph's three-point play with 7:09 left ended an eight-point burst that had Memphis up 40-30.

The Rockets stayed close, and Courtney Lee's layup in the final few seconds of the half made it a 57-51 contest. Chase Budinger then hit two shots early in the third quarter, each of which had Houston within three, but Memphis pulled away for good with a 16-2 run.

Gasol had five points early in the rally, which Randolph ended with a jumper to make it a 75-58 game.

The Grizzlies carried an 88-67 lead into the fourth and held a substantial double-digit lead for the final 12 minutes.

Game Notes

Kyle Lowry scored 15 with eight assists for the Rockets, while Budinger ended with 11 points...The Rockets made 11-of-29 three-pointers and shot 43 percent overall...Houston won three of four last season.






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