Remember the 0-2 start? Erase it. The Houston Rockets are no longer just a promising team; they are a force of nature, blazing a trail of destruction through the league. Their latest victim? The Memphis Grizzlies, who were utterly dismantled 124-109 on Wednesday night. With this win, the Rockets have officially ignited, boasting a stellar 5-2 record and a league-best five-game winning streak that has the entire NBA on high alert.
Nov 5, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) reacts with forward Kevin Durant (7) during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
1. Total Domination From the Jump
This was no narrow escape. The Rockets came out with ferocious intensity from the opening tip, seizing control and never letting go. They led by as many as 21 points in a game where their dominance was never in doubt. The blueprint for victory was classic and effective: suffocating defense and overpowering interior presence. Houston crushed Memphis on the glass (54 rebounds) and poured in 60 points in the paint, all while holding the Grizzlies to a miserable 38% shooting from the field. Even on a night where Kevin Durant struggled (11 points on 5-of-18 shooting), the Rockets’ depth turned the game into a laugher.
2. Twin-Engine Power: Thompson and Sengun Unleashed
While Durant had an off night, the Rockets’ other young stars proved they are more than capable of carrying the load.
Amen Thompson: The guard was nothing short of spectacular, delivering a masterclass on both ends of the floor. He led all scorers with a stellar 28 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals. Defensively, he was the primary reason Grizzlies’ star Ja Morant was held in check, harassing him into a difficult 6-for-19 shooting night.
Alperen Sengun: The big man was a force in the paint, completely outclassing Memphis’ frontcourt. He recorded a massive 20 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists, orchestrating the offense from the post and controlling the boards with authority.
Together, they formed an unstoppable duo that the Grizzlies had no answer for.
3. The Supporting Cast Shines Bright
The Rockets’ brilliance isn’t limited to their top names. The victory was a testament to their incredible depth.
Efficient Sparks: Jabari Smith Jr., returning from an ankle injury, was brilliantly efficient, dropping 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Josh Okogie provided a crucial two-way punch with 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, adding another layer of defense against Morant.
Bench Mob Excellence: The second unit was a game-changer. Tari Eason caught fire with 16 points, including four three-pointers, while rookie Reed Sheppard provided a steady hand and 12 points off the bench. Veteran Clint Capela anchored the defense with 10 rebounds in just 16 minutes.
The Houston Rockets are no longer just a team on the rise; they have arrived. They are winning with defense, depth, and the explosive talent of their young core. Having aced the first test of their road trip, the mission continues. All eyes now turn to San Antonio for a highly anticipated NBA Cup showdown against the Spurs on Friday. The streak is alive, the confidence is sky-high, and the rest of the league has been put on notice: the Rockets are for real.