Trail Blazers Split Back-to-Back Games with Rockets in Houston

Portland rebounds from a blowout loss to Houston with a narrow victory, ending the Rockets' seven-game home winning streak.

The Houston Rockets dominated the first game on Friday, defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 116-88 with Dillon Brooks scoring a season-high 28 points and Tari Eason adding 22 off the bench.
Portland struggled offensively in the first game, shooting just 33% from the field and missing 32 of 43 three-point attempts, while Houston capitalized with balanced scoring and strong ball movement.
In Saturday's rematch, the Trail Blazers secured a hard-fought 104-98 victory, led by Anfernee Simons with 25 points and Shaedon Sharpe with 24, including key late-game contributions to seal the win.
The Rockets' shooting woes in the second game, including a 35.6% field goal percentage and just 8 of 32 from three-point range, contributed to their loss despite Alperen Sengun's 22 points and Amen Thompson's 19 off the bench.
Portland's defensive efforts, highlighted by Deni Avdija's critical block and Donovan Clingan's career-high 19 rebounds, helped them avenge Friday's loss and snap Houston's home win streak.