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December 16, 2023

Games like Friday's are why the Rockets are paying Dillon Brooks $80 million

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We shouldn't really be surprised that it was Dillon Brooks making the big shots for the Rockets in their 103-96 win at Memphis, the team that decided it wasn't worth spending the money to keep the volatile forward.

"That's why they paid me four for 80!" Brooks crowed after making a key 3-pointer in final minute. "I don't want to lose to Memphis ever in my career. Regardless of how we get it, if I go get 20 or if I have zero points, I want to win every single time we play Memphis just to let them know they made a little mistake."

The next time Houston faces Memphis, which won't be until February, the Grizzlies may look a back different. Ja Morant, who sat out the first 25 games of the season because of an NBA suspension, will be back with a fresh perspective and lessons learned.

For the Texans, it was another day without C.J. Stroud, who was officially listed as doubtful for Sunday's game at Tennessee. While most expect Davis Mills to start, Case Keenum has been getting some first-team reps this week as well.

At the state football championships in Arlington, Bellville's unbeaten season ended in the final against Gilmer. North Shore and Summer Creek are in acion in Saturday's Class 6A finals.

Back in Houston, college basketball takes over Toyota Center as Houston faces A&M and Texas plays LSU.

Stat of the day: 43. College bowl games, many featuring high school players from the Houston area, that start today and end at NRG with CFP title game. 

Reid Laymance HeadshotReid Laymance
Sports editor
reid.laymance@houstonchronicle.com
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Rockets / NBA

Houston Rockets guard Dillon Brooks (9) celebrates during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Nikki Boertman)

Photo by: Nikki Boertman/Associated Press

Dillon Brooks gets revenge against Grizzlies

Dillon Brooks' dagger helped the Rockets snatch a win and snap their four-game losing streak at FedEx Forum, a fitting ending to his first game back in Memphis.

  • Rockets 103, Grizzlies 96: Rockets put together a strong third quarter to get a win at Memphis.
  • New perspective: Memphis guard Ja Morant returns to team after 25-game suspension and says he 'made a lot of mistakes' but knows it will take time to show he has improved

Texans / NFL

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud throws a football while warming up before an NFL preseason football game against the Miami Dolphins Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Brett Coomer, Staff Photographer

QB C.J. Stroud listed as 'doubtful' to play against Titans

The Texans QB must pass a five-step process that includes a contact practice and a non-contact practice on different days, and he hasn't done either as of Friday morning.


College Basketball

Houston Cougars forward J'Wan Roberts (13) goes up for a rebound against Rice Owls forward Max Fiedler (15) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game at the Fertitta Center, Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman/Staff Photographer

No. 4 UH vs. Texas A&M set to be a battle of the boards

Owning the glass will be a key in No. 4 UH's matchup with Texas A&M on Saturday in the Halal Guys Showcase at Toyota Center.


College Football

Texas A&M running back Rueben Owens (2) breaks free from South Carolina defenders for a touchdown run during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Sam Craft)

Photo by: Sam Craft, Associated Press

Houston-area players to watch in '23 bowl games

A list of Houston-area football players who might see action in this year's 43 NCAA Division I bowl games beginning Saturday.


High School Football

Bellville players react after Bellville linebacker Adarius Hutchinson recovered a fumble by running back Corrian Hood during the first half of the 4A Division 2 UIL state championship game against Gilmer at AT&T Stadium, Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, in Arlington.

Photo by: Jason Fochtman/Staff Photographer

Bellville comes up short to Gilmer in state title game

Bellville, in its third trip to state, fell for the first time all season.


High School Basketball

Seven Lakes guard AJ Bates (24) during a timeout during the first half of a Region III-6A semifinal high school basketball playoff game against Clear Falls, Friday, March 3, 2023, in Houston.

Photo by: Eric Christian Smith/Contributor

Seven Lakes grinds out pivotal win over Jordan

Undermanned and facing a Jordan team that can challenge for the district crown, Seven Lakes eluded the Warriors in a pivotal showdown.


Worth a read

• What will happen with Bill Belichick? That was the big question at the NFL owners' meetings. (Boston Globe)

• Who might Chargers pursue to coach? Some familiar names are surfacing. (Los Angeles Times)

• Breaking down every bowl game. (Sports Illustrated)

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