Rockets pull away late to beat Grizzlies 119-109 on March 27, 2026, in Memphis

Houston controls fourth quarter after close three quarters at FedExForum

The Houston Rockets closed strong on Friday, March 27, 2026, separating in the fourth quarter for a 119-109 road win over the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Houston led 87-82 after three and outscored Memphis 32-27 in the final period to secure the 10-point victory.

The Rockets led most of the night, but the game remained within one or two possessions through stretches of the second half. Houston’s ability to create extra possessions and finish defensive stops late proved decisive, with a significant gap on the glass helping set the tone across four quarters.

Durant leads Houston’s scoring; Prosper tops Memphis in points

Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 25 points and also paced the team in playmaking with 10 assists. Jabari Smith Jr. was Houston’s top rebounder with 16 boards, including 11 defensive rebounds and five offensive rebounds.

Memphis received a game-high 31 points from Olivier-Maxence Prosper, who shot 12-of-15 from the field and went 3-for-3 at the free-throw line. Cam Spencer led the Grizzlies in assists with 10.

Rebounding margin and free-throw efficiency shaped the outcome

Team statistics showed Houston with a major rebounding advantage, 57-39. The Rockets finished at 47% from the field (44-of-93), while the Grizzlies shot 44% (40-of-91). Three-point shooting was similar—Houston at 36% (12-of-33) and Memphis at 35% (13-of-37)—leaving other factors to swing the result.

Memphis had the stronger night at the free-throw line, converting 16-of-18 (89%), compared with Houston’s 19-of-26 (73%). Turnovers were also relatively close, with Houston committing 14 and Memphis 11.

• Final score: Rockets 119, Grizzlies 109
• Quarter-by-quarter: Houston 32-24-31-32; Memphis 30-19-33-27
• Rebounds: Houston 57, Memphis 39
• Field goals: Houston 44-of-93; Memphis 40-of-91

Game context and officiating

The matchup took place in Memphis, with John Goble, CJ Washington, and Scott Twardoski assigned as referees. Houston led for the large majority of the game and never trailed by more than a single-digit margin, with the largest lead reaching 14 points. Memphis’ largest lead was seven.

Houston’s fourth-quarter execution—built on sustained rebounding and steady half-court production—turned a competitive game into a controlled finish.