NBA: Gasol’s game winner lifts Grizzlies past Rockets

Memphis Grizzlies’ Marc Gasol (33) makes a last-second shot over Houston Rockets Terrence Jones (6) and James Harden to defeat the Rockets 102-100 in an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 4, 2015, in Houston. AP

HOUSTON, United States – Marc Gasol sank a jump shot with 0.01 seconds left as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Houston Rockets 102-100 in a Southwest Division showdown Wednesday.

The Grizzlies led by seven points (98-91) with three minutes left but they let the Rockets back in it. Houston scored seven consecutive points to tie the game 98-98 as Terrence Jones and James Harden hit jump shots and Corey Brewer drained a three pointer in the fourth quarter surge.

Memphis guard Courtney Lee then hit two free throws to get the lead back but Jones answered with a hook shot. Gasol then missed on the other end.

The Grizzlies got the ball back after Zach Randolph blocked Harden’s layup. Gasol followed with his game-winning shot to give Memphis a 2 1/2-game lead over the Rockets in the Southwest Division standings.

Memphis is finding their game again after losing three of their past four heading into Wednesday’s contest at the Toyota Center arena.

The Grizzlies are 20-10 on the road as they play four of the next five games away from home.

Harden returned to the Rockets lineup after being suspended one game for kicking LeBron James in the groin during Saturday’s overtime victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.