Jalen Green led the charge with 27 points, propelling the Houston Rockets (28-35) to a commanding 123-107 triumph over the Portland Trail Blazers (17-45).
Fred VanVleet contributed a double-double with 18 points and 10 assists, while Alperen Sengun chipped in 19 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, providing valuable support for Green’s offensive onslaught.
Rookie Amen Thompson (16 points, 8 rebounds) and Jabari Smith Jr. (15 points, 9 rebounds) provided support for Houstons.
Despite a valiant effort from Dalano Banton, who notched a career-high 30 points for the Trail Blazers, Portland faltered down the stretch, unable to contain Houston’s relentless offensive attack.
Anfernee Simons contributed 23 points, while Duop Reath added 16 points and six rebounds for the Trail Blazers.
The absence of key players, including DeAndre Ayton and Jerami Grant, hindered Portland’s efforts to mount a comeback, as injuries continued to plague the struggling squad throughout the contest.
Houston capitalized on Portland’s defensive lapses, seizing control in the second half behind Green’s dynamic playmaking and timely scoring bursts.
