The Portland Trail Blazers overcame Friday’s lopsided loss with a 104-98 victory against the Houston Rockets on Saturday night, led by Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe, and Jerami Grant. The trio combined for 71 points, snapping Portland’s two-game skid.
Simons delivered 25 points, including a pivotal five-point surge in the final seconds. Sharpe added 24 points and six clutch free throws down the stretch, while Grant contributed 22 points and a perfect 6-for-6 from the line. Portland now sits at 7-10 on the season.
The game remained tight until the final minute, when Simons hit a go-ahead layup followed by a three-pointer after Deni Avdija’s key block. Free throws by Sharpe and Avdija sealed the win.
Houston’s Alperen Sengun scored 22 points, but his late basket wasn’t enough to rally the 12-6 Rockets.
Tensions flared late in the fourth quarter when Dillon Brooks and Sharpe tangled during a rebound battle, leading to a loose ball foul on Sharpe and technicals for Brooks and Simons.
Portland found its rhythm from beyond the arc, hitting 18 of 44 three-pointers (40.9%), compared to Houston’s 8-for-32 (25%). Jalen Green struggled from deep, shooting 1-for-9, while Simons and Sharpe combined for eight three-pointers.
Despite the win, Portland shot only 37.8% overall, buoyed by 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench from Avdija.
The Trail Blazers dominated the boards with a 53-43 edge, including nine offensive rebounds from Donovan Clingan.
Amen Thompson provided a spark off the bench with 19 points and seven rebounds, but Houston’s starters combined for just four three-pointers.
