The Memphis Grizzlies (43 - 17) defeated the Houston Rockets (41 - 20) 102 - 100 on Wednesday. James Harden returned from a one - game suspension that was levied against him for kicking LeBron James in the groin in the Rockets' overtime win over the Cavaliers on Sunday. Harden flashed brilliance passing the ball, handing out 13 helpers, but he was less prolific scoring the ball, finishing with 18 points on 7 - of - 16 shooting in his 41 minutes. Terrence Jones continues to excel with Dwight Howard (knee) sidelined. Jones scored a team - high 21 points and pulled down nine rebounds in 36 minutes. The Rockets and Grizzlies were evenly matched in most regards, but the Grizzlies gained an advantage by coaxing the Rockets into 15 personal fouls. There was a controversial no - call on Harden as he drove to the hoop and appeared to be fouled. The Grizzlies came away with the ball, called a timeout and advanced the ball before Marc Gasol hit a game - winning two - point shot. Memphis went to the line 17 times compared to the Rockets' five trips to the charity stripe. Zach Randolph (illness), Beno Udrih (illness) and Tony Allen (team - imposed suspension) were back in action after sitting out the Grizzlies' loss to the Jazz on Tuesday. Gasol led the way Wednesday, putting up a team - high 21 points to go with seven rebounds and six assists. The win moved the Grizzlies slightly closer to the West-leading Warriors, putting them just four games behind them for the top playoff seed. Houston dropped into a momentary tie for third place with the Trail Blazers that will change when the Blazers finish their big matchup with the Clippers later on the Wednesday slate. The Grizzlies will try to make it two straight wins when they return home to host the Lakers on Friday, and the Rockets will be looking to stop their two - game skid when they host the Pistons on Friday.
["PlayerStat(G,'Marc Gasol') has 6 Assists ,has 21 Field goals attempted ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'Terrence Jones') has 36 Assists ,has 21 Field goals attempted ,has 9 Field goals made ."
 "PlayerStat(G,'James Harden') has 13 Assists ,has 16 Field goals attempted ,has 7 Field goals made ,has 41 Minutes played ,has 1 Offensive rebounds ,has 1 Personal fouls ,has 18 Points ,has 1 Total rebounds ."]