The same issues resurfaced Monday night for the Memphis Grizzlies, this time against the Houston Rockets.

Despite a same-day flight into Houston and a disrupted routine, Memphis controlled long stretches of the game, led at halftime, and once again built a double-digit advantage. And once again, it slipped away in the fourth quarter.

The 108-99 loss marked the seventh consecutive game in which the Grizzlies have held a double-digit lead. They are 2-5 in that stretch — a trend that can no longer be brushed aside as coincidence.

There were encouraging signs early. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Santi Aldama each finished with 17 points and seven rebounds, with Aldama making his return after missing two games with knee soreness. Memphis played with energy, won effort battles on the glass, and dictated tempo for much of the night.

But when Houston made its move, Memphis struggled to respond. Alperen Şengün consistently exploited mismatches inside, and the absence of Jock Landale further limited the Grizzlies’ frontcourt flexibility. The offense stalled late, defensive coverage slipped, and another winnable game turned into a familiar outcome.

At 18-26, the problem isn’t effort or competitiveness. The Grizzlies are getting themselves into positions to win. The problem is finishing.

With Charlotte coming to FedExForum next, Memphis has another chance to change the narrative. Until they do, the Rockets game will feel less like an outlier — and more like the season’s defining pattern.