Rockets Fall to Trail Blazers as Three-Game Homestand Comes to an End

The Houston Rockets sustained one of their worst losses of the season Wednesday night by falling to the Trail Blazers.

HOUSTON — Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka said before the game that the Portland Trail Blazers are better than their 12-31 record showed. Wednesday night, the Rockets sustained a 137-131 overtime loss to the Trail Blazers inside the Toyota Center, remaining true to Udoka's pre-game observation.

Houston entered halftime holding a 63-57 lead. The Rockets appeared to be on the verge of a blowout victory, especially after leading by as many as 13 points midway through the second quarter.

"I think there was too much hero ball, one-on-one," Udoka said. "Defensively, we were not going after it. They gave up 51 in the first half but 41 in the third quarter. They did not come out with any intensity with the defensive mindset."

However, the Trail Blazers gained momentum at the start of the second half. They outscored Houston 41-33 during the third quarter and took the lead on several occasions.

Anfernee Simons played a significant role in the Trail Blazers' second-half eruption. He scored 16 points, and his performance during the period led to 11 lead changes and three ties. The Trail Blazers held a 98-96 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Simons finished the game with 33 points, five assists and five rebounds in the comeback victory.

The Rockets and Trail Blazers continued to trade baskets throughout the final period. After a tied game with two minutes left (116-116), Aaron Holiday's assist to Jalen Green gave the Rockets a 118-116 lead.

Green had one of his best performances of the season with 29 points on 12 of 24 shooting. 

His second assist of the game came with 1:20 left in the fourth quarter, where he connected with Alperen Şengün to give the Rockets a four-point advantage. Şengün finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. 

The Rockets held a 124-121 lead with 1.1 seconds left in the final period. Jerami Grant connected on a buzzer-beating triple to send the game into overtime, where the Trail Blazers outscored Houston 13-7. Grant finished with 21 points, nine assists and five rebounds in the win.

"We have had a few frustrating losses, no doubt," Udoka said. "Everybody is pissed off in there."

Rockets guard Jalen Green dribbles against Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) in the first quarter at Toyota Center / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

No Jabari Smith Jr. vs. Trail Blazers:

After testing his injured ankle during shootaround, the Rockets ruled Jabari Smith Jr. out for the second consecutive game. He sustained his injury during Saturday's overtime victory against the Utah Jazz. Jeff Green started in Smith's absence. He recorded four rebounds and two points in 38 minutes.

A battle between the No. 3 and 4 picks of the 2023 NBA Draft:

Rookies Scoot Henderson and Amen Thompson battled each other for the first time on an NBA court. Henderson got the upper hand over his draft mate with 11 points and three assists. Thompson finished with six points and three rebounds.