Zach Edey stats tonight: How did Grizzlies rookie fare vs Alperen Sengun's Rockets? (Jan. 9)

Zach Edey started for the Memphis Grizzlies as they hosted the Houston Rockets in a crucial Western Conference clash between the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds. The Grizzlies trailed by as much as 17 points, mounted a valiant comeback, but ultimately fell short in a 119-115 defeat.

The Rockets came out strong, dropping 45 points in the first quarter while the Grizzlies managed 36. Edey knocked down a 3-pointer two minutes into the game, but it would be his only field goal of the first half.

The Grizzlies outscored the Rockets 27-23 in the second quarter, cutting their halftime deficit to five points.

Edey had a limited impact, with his only other contributions in the first half being two personal fouls.

Jaren Jackson Jr. (14 points, four rebounds, four blocks) and Santi Aldama (10 points, five rebounds) led the Grizzlies’ frontcourt, while Ja Morant chipped in 11 points.

However, the Rockets held onto the lead behind Alperen Sengun’s 20 points and five rebounds, with Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet adding 15 and 10 points, respectively.

The Rockets maintained their edge in the third quarter, outscoring the Grizzlies by just four points. Edey managed to add a free throw to his stat line during the period.

In the fourth quarter, Memphis closed the gap to within two points but failed to capitalize on key opportunities late in the game, resulting in the loss.

Edey wrapped up the game with four points and three rebounds in 17 minutes and 36 seconds of play.

Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 27 points, while Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 21, and Desmond Bane added 16.

For the Rockets, Alperen Şengün delivered an impressive performance with 32 points and 14 rebounds. Jalen Green chipped in 27 points, and Fred VanVleet finished with 22.

Below are Zach Edey's full stats.

PLAYER	MIN	PTS	REB	AST	FGM	FGA	FG%	3PM	3PA	3P%	FTM	FTA	FT%	OREB	DREB	STL	BLK	TO	PF	=+/-
Zach Edey	17:36	4	3	0	1	1	100	1	1	100	1	2	50.0	0	3	0	1	0	5	-4

Ja Morant admires Zach Edey both on and off the court

Zach Edey faces a steep challenge as a rookie starter on a Memphis Grizzlies team with playoff ambitions. But he is gradually finding his footing, thanks in part to the support and trust of Ja Morant, who has spoken highly of Edey both as a player and a person.

“Very talented guy, cool dude," Morant said in October. "Special talent, man, obviously coming in as a rookie but had a tremendous college career. Definitely going to be a big piece to this team. With his size, height and skillset offensively and defensively, he's going to be very important for us.”

Morant also noted that he and Edey connect off the court, particularly over their shared taste in music.

"He's very chill, and he likes R&B like me, so we be vibing."

Zach Edey had an impressive college career, playing 39 games in his final season and averaging 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. His rookie NBA numbers are more modest, with averages of 10.6 ppg, 7.7 rpg and 1.1 bpg.