NBA highlights on Jan. 14: Young Grizzlies are here to win

Houston Rockets 110-121 Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies celebrates after burying a 3-pointer in the game against the Houston Rockets at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, January 14, 2020. /AP Photo

Though there are rumors about Zion Williamson, who has been resting for three months because of knee surgery, may finally make his NBA debut this week, the competition for the Rookie of the Year award this season seemed to be over. 20-year-old Ja Morant, a point guard from the Murray State University is getting close pocketing that award after leading the Grizzlies to defeat the Rockets at the FedExForum on Tuesday.

Having made 10 of his 11 shots, including three-3-pointers to get 26 points, five rebounds and eight assists, Morant became the first one in NBA history to drop at least 25+8 at a field goal rate of 90+ percent in his rookie season.

Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies holds the ball in the game against the Houston Rockets at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, January 14, 2020. /AP Photo

"The doubters said I couldn't shoot. I'm proving them wrong." Said Morant to NBA TV's Dennis Scott after the game. The 20-year-old even buried a backstep 3-pointer right in front James Harden in the fourth quarter.

The rest of the team also made important contributions to Memphis' victory. Dillon Brooks had 24 points and made six triples; Jaren Jackson Jr. though was fouled out in the last quarter, he had 15 points, three steals and two blocks. Thanks to his efforts, the Grizzlies stood up to the assault of James Harden against their rim.

Kames Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets tries to shoot against defense in the game against ther Memphis Grizzlies at the FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, January 14, 2020. /AP Photo

On Houston's side, as Russell Westbrook sat on this game, Harden had to carry the team by himself, making the opponents' defense way too simple. When Harden was hot, like he was 6-8 or 5-12 in the first and third quarters, Houston were of course the leading side. However, when Harden could not put the ball into the basket, like he was 1-7 from downtown in the second quarter or 0-7 in field goal in the fourth quarter, Houston were in trouble and that's exactly how Memphis won the game.

Utah Jazz 118-107 Brooklyn Nets

Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz dunks in the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, January 14, 2020.

The "Jordan Clarkson Effect" continued as the Jazz extended their winning streak to 10 after beating the Nets at the Barclays Center on Tuesday. This win also helped the Jazz pass the Denver nuggets to rank No. 2 in the Western Conference.

Utah should understandably own a big part of their straight wins to the relatively easy schedule recently – only three of the 10 teams they played were top 8 teams and only the Clippers were truly the strong one. Nonetheless, their players were in deed in good forms. In Tuesday's game, five of Utah's players scored double-digit points and three reached 20. Donovan Mitchell was 5-6 in the last quarter to get 14 points.

By contrast, Brooklyn suffered the ninth loss of their past 12 games, which explained why the team dropped to No. 8 in the Eastern Conference. Kyri Irving continued his high efficiency in offense to make 12 of 19 attempts and put down 32 points. His efforts were not enough to bring a win to Brooklyn.

New York Knicks 102-128 Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks in the game against the New York Knicks at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, January 14, 2020.

The Bucks swept the Knicks at the Fiserv Forum as Giannis Antetokounmpo dropped 37 points, nine rebounds and four assists in 21 minutes. The Greek Freak was 12-17 in FGs, 3-5 in 3-pointers and 10-12 in free throws. In the third quarter, it only took him about four minutes to get 17 points.

No wonder why all five reporters of the Sports Illustrated voted him for the NBA Midseason MVP.

This is Milwaukee's 36th win in the past 42 games. The team have won by a total of 530 points, bigger than those of the Golden State Warriors in the 2015-16 season (491) and the Chicago Bulls in the 1996-96 season (520) during the same period. By the way, the Warriors claimed 73 wins but failed to win the championship and the Bulls achieved 72 wins and win the championship in their seasons.

Cleveland Cavaliers 103-128 Los Angeles Clippers

Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers handles the ball in the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, January 14, 2020.

Though Paul George did not play in this game, it did not stop the Clippers from taking a big win over the visiting Cavaliers at the Staples Center. Kawhi Leonard played 28 minutes and scored season-high 43 points to help his team win. Moreover. The two-time NBA Finals MVP also became the first one who got at least 43 point by shooting fewer than 10 3-pointers in less than 30 minutes after Larry Bird in 1986.

The Clippers had been expected by many to dominate the whole league since they introduced Leonard and Paul George last summer. However, as the season went on, some serious problems were exposed of the team, both offensively and defensively. Currently they only rank No. 4 in the west.

"We just can't be in a rush. That's what I'm (telling my teammates). Just be patient. It's hard to win a championship. The pressure isn't even on us now. Just enjoy the process and have fun," said Leonard.

Other games on Tuesday (home teams in bold):

Phoenix Suns 110-123 Atlanta Hawks

Dallas Mavericks 124-97 Golden State Warriors