Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) drives as Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) defends and Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) looks on during the first half at FedExForum, Nov 17, 2014. [Photo/Agencies, Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports]

Mike Conley scored 19 points as Memphis easily defeated Houston in a matchup of the teams with the NBA's two best records.

Whatever showdown was expected from two 9-1 teams and among the best defensive squads in the league never materialized as the Grizzlies took a 16-point lead in the first quarter and extended it in each of the remaining periods, until it reached 36 points in the fourth frame.

Seven players finished in double figures for Memphis, which won its fourth straight overall. Courtney Lee had 15 points, and Zach Randolph added 14.

Trevor Ariza led the Rockets with 16 points. Dwight Howard had 15 points and nine rebounds.

James Harden scored only six points, going 1 of 8 from the field.

The Rockets, who entered allowing a league-low 89 points per game, had given up that many by the end of the third quarter.