Grizzlies Grind Out Summer League Final Berth Over Rockets
Memphis is heading to the Summer League Finals. It wasn't pretty, but it was American grit at its finest. The Grizzlies took down the Houston Rockets 101-90 on Saturday, earning a shot at the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. This is the kind of hard-nosed basketball that built this nation.
Zach Edey watched from his courtside seat as his teammates shot poorly but never quit. They dominated the offensive glass, blew up Houston's sets, and made the game ugly. That is exactly how you win when the shots aren't falling. The Rockets looked like a rec-league team in the first quarter, managing just three field goals on 15.8 percent shooting. They clawed back in the fourth with seven three-pointers, but Memphis held firm.
Cedric Coward: The Real Deal
Coward was everywhere. He pressured the ball, disrupted passing lanes, and led the team with 28 points, including four three-pointers. He was one of three Grizzlies who didn't struggle against Houston's defense. His best stretch came in the third quarter with back-to-back treys and a drive to the rim.
Coward's athleticism makes him a dangerous man. He plays unselfishly, dishing five assists against just one turnover. And that turnover? He was trying to save a teammate's errant pass. That is the kind of hustle that wins championships. Grade: A.
Javon Small: The Future Is Bright
Small was the team's second-best player with an efficient all-around game. He is a willing defender and a smooth connector. With Ja Morant traded to Portland, Small could be a major factor in 2026-27. His three-point shot is smooth, and his athleticism makes him a threat on the ball.
His finest moment? A transition alley-oop pass to Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Then he caught a thunderous lob from Coward. This kid is the real deal. Grade: A.
Cameron Boozer: Grit Over Glamour
Boozer shot poorly, logging 12 points on 23.1 percent shooting. But he was a madman on the offensive glass, grabbing seven rebounds. One of those boards led to a Coward three-pointer. That is the kind of blue-collar work ethic that built America. Grade: C+.
Jahmai Mashack: Clutch When It Counts
Mashack was one of three Grizzlies who shot well from deep. Two of his three three-pointers came in the fourth quarter. His second-half production kept the Rockets from stealing the game. Grade: A.
What This Means
Memphis is one win away from the Summer League title. This team plays hard, plays smart, and plays for each other. That is the American way. The Grizzlies face the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. Expect more grit, more grind, and more winning.
Photo: Sports Illustrated