Rockets Beat Blazers In Texas Shoot-Out 111-107

Posted by Jeff Sack under NBA Game Recap

The Houston Rockets took a five point lead over the Portland Trail Blazers at the end of the first quarter Saturday night and they made it hold up as they defeated Portland 111-107 at the Toyota Center in Houston. The Rockets won despite the Trail Blazers shooting 51.4% (38-74) from the floor and getting 42 points by All-Star Brandon Roy. Houston however held their own as they shot 50.6% (40-79) but their big strength was their game beyond the arc where they shot 50% (12-24.) The win in their home season debut gives the Rockets a 2-1 record in this young campaign without their two stars center Yao Ming and guard Tracy McGrady.

Houston took the lead with 5:24 to play in the first quarter and they never relinquished. Portland got as close as one point down in the third but they just could never get over the hump. The Rockets took a 33-28 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The two clubs played dead even in the second and Houston would hold a 59-54 lead at the half.

Portland got to within 1 point with 6:48 to play in the third when Greg Oden slammed the ball through the cylinder with authority making it a 65-64 game. However that was as close as the Blazers got and they never got that close again. The Rockets got the lead back up to 83-79 at the end of the quarter. Although the Trail Blazers once again got the score down to just 2 points Houston soon boosted their lead and would hold on for the victory.

Trevor Ariza led the way for the Rockets as he had 33 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds and 2 steals. Aaron Brooks added 28 points, 8 assists and 3 rebounds while Carl Landry came off the bench and scored 16 points, 3 rebounds, 1 block and 1 steal in the Rockets win.

Brandon Roy led all players with 42 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal; the Blazers guard was on fire from three point territory going 5-7. LaMarcus Aldridge scored 27 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal while Andre Miller added 15 points off the bench, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. Houston improves to 2-1 with the win they will play the Utah Jazz Monday. Portland is now 1-2 and they will play in OKC Sunday as they face the Thunder.

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