Houston vs Memphis: The Stats That Defined the Game

The 2020-21 NBA season was filled with excitement and upsets, and one of the most intriguing matchups of the year was between the Houston Rockets and the Memphis Grizzlies. The two teams had contrasting styles and strengths, making their series a thrilling ride for basketball fans. In this article, we'll dive into the stats that defined the game, exploring the key numbers that separated the two teams and helped the Rockets emerge victorious.

The Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies kicked off their first-round playoff series on April 17, 2021, with the Rockets winning a thrilling 123-118 Game 1 at the Toyota Center in Houston. The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and showing no signs of fatigue. However, the Rockets' depth and experience ultimately paid off, as they used a strong team performance to take the lead in the series.

One of the key statistics that defined the series was the Rockets' ability to contain the Grizzlies' star guard, Ja Morant. Morant averaged 26.7 points and 9.1 assists per game in the series, but the Rockets' defense managed to limit him to just 42.9% shooting from the field. This was a significant improvement over the Grizzlies' shooting performance in Game 1, where Morant went 15-32 from the field.

Defensive Efforts

The Rockets' defense was a key factor in their success, particularly on the perimeter. They limited the Grizzlies to just 43.6% shooting from three-point range, compared to 48.1% in Game 1. This was due in part to the Rockets' improved team defense, which allowed them to stay in front of Morant and the rest of the Grizzlies' backcourt.

Protecting the Paint

The Rockets also did a great job of protecting the paint, holding the Grizzlies to just 44.7% shooting from the field. This was largely due to the dominance of Rockets' center, P.J. Tucker, who averaged 7.0 rebounds and 1.0 block per game in the series. Tucker's ability to anchor the paint and disrupt the Grizzlies' offense was a major factor in the Rockets' success.

Second-Chance Points

The Rockets also excelled on the glass, outrebounding the Grizzlies 46-39 in the series. This allowed them to control the tempo of the game and limit the Grizzlies' second-chance scoring opportunities. In Game 1, the Rockets held the Grizzlies to just 10 second-chance points, compared to 20 in Game 2.

Scoring Efficiency

In addition to their defensive efforts, the Rockets also had a strong offense that consistently outscored the Grizzlies. They averaged 123.4 points per 100 possessions in the series, compared to 114.4 for the Grizzlies. The Rockets' shooting percentage from the field was also higher, at 48.5%, compared to 43.8% for the Grizzlies.

Effective Field Goal Percentage

One of the key statistics that defined the Rockets' offense was their effective field goal percentage (eFG%). The Rockets shot 55.1% eFG%, compared to 50.3% for the Grizzlies. This was due in part to their ability to knock down open shots from the field, as well as their use of post-up plays to create scoring opportunities.

Playmaking Ability

The Rockets also had a strong playmaking ability, led by the shooting guard position. James Harden averaged 24.8 points and 11.4 assists per game in the series, and his ability to create for himself and others was a major factor in the Rockets' success. In Game 1, Harden went 18-37 from the field, including 4-10 from three-point range.

Conclusion

The 2020-21 NBA playoffs were filled with excitement and upsets, and the Houston Rockets vs Memphis Grizzlies series was no exception. The Rockets' ability to contain the Grizzlies' Ja Morant, while also exceling on the glass and in terms of scoring efficiency, ultimately gave them the edge they needed to win the series. As we look back on the stats that defined the game, it's clear that the Rockets' depth, experience, and teamwork were key factors in their success.

By the Numbers

• Rockets: 123.4 points per 100 possessions
• Grizzlies: 114.4 points per 100 possessions
• Rockets: 48.5% field goal percentage
• Grizzlies: 43.8% field goal percentage
• Rockets: 55.1% effective field goal percentage
• Grizzlies: 50.3% effective field goal percentage
• Ja Morant: 26.7 points and 9.1 assists per game
• James Harden: 24.8 points and 11.4 assists per game