Ja Morant scored 49 points and hit five 3-pointers to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 129-122 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night.

Memphis has won four of its last five in Houston after losing the previous four. .This is the second consecutive season the Grizzlies have started 2-0 after opening a season with two wins just twice from the 2001-02 season to the 2019-20 season. Memphis has so 35 straight games when scoring 120 points or more.

Morant carried the team on a night Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones struggled. Bane made just 3 of 16 shots for 14 points and Jones was 4 for 13 with 11 points.

The Rockets led by 16 in the first half before the Grizzlies used a big run to start the third quarter and take the lead.

Morant has eight 3-pointers in just two games this season after averaging 1.5 3s a game last season. Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins was asked if anyone can stop the young star now that he’s incorporated more 3-point shooting into his game.

“I don’t think so,” he said. “What a phenomenal game by Ja. Just in attack mode throughout the game.”

Houston coach Stephen Silas agreed.

“It’s changes everything because he’s downhill,” Silas said. “You have to honor the 3. When he’s making his 3-point shot he’s very, very hard to guard.” APNEWS

Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama, left, blocks a shot-attempt by Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Oct. 21, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)