Memphis Grizzlies vs. Houston Rockets: Live Score and Analysis

Final Score: Memphis Grizzlies 88, Houston Rockets 87

For the first time all season, the Memphis Grizzlies (21-20) have defeated a team in the Southwest Division (they were 0-10 prior) after narrowly escaping the Toyota Center on Friday night with a one-point victory over the Houston Rockets (29-16).

Even the three-point shooting of Chandler Parsons in the second half wasn't enough to put Houston over the top in the end.

Parsons set an NBA record by hitting 10 shots from behind the arc in the final 24 minutes. His 10 three-pointers were a franchise record and his 34 total points were a career-high.

Courtney Lee led the Grizzlies with 19 points and Zach Randolph had 15 points and eight rebounds of his own.

Patrick Beverely (three points, 1-of-11 shooting) stood his ground and drew an offensive foul from a charging Mike Miller (two points and two rebounds) with 8.3 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. The pressure of Memphis' defense on the final play of the game forced Beverely into an awkward three-point attempt which fell well short.

Other than Parsons, only two other Rocket players scored in double-figures as James Harden finished with a double-double of 10 points and a career-high 13 assists, while Dwight Howard had a double-double of his own with 11 points and 12 rebounds. 

Houston shot just 40.5 percent from the field on the night. If not for Parsons and his scorching run, the final result could have been a lot worse.

These teams will face each other once again on Jan. 25 on the second night of a back-to-back at the FedExForum in Memphis. 

Follow Featured Columnist/Live Blogger Christopher Walder on Twitter at @WalderSports