Dillon Brooks delivered his best performance of the season Friday night, pouring in a season-high 28 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a commanding 116-88 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in an NBA Cup clash.
Brooks was electric from beyond the arc, matching his career-high with six made 3-pointers on just eight attempts, setting the tone for a Rockets team that is firing on all cylinders.
The Rockets, now 2-0 in NBA Cup play, showcased their depth and dominance as Tari Eason erupted for 22 points off the bench. Jalen Green added 17, while Alperen Şengün chipped in 14. The victory marked Houston’s seventh win in their last eight games, with six of those wins coming by double digits. At 12-5, the Rockets are riding their best early-season stretch in recent memory, outscoring opponents by a franchise-record 163 points through 17 games.
On the other side, the Trail Blazers struggled to find offensive rhythm, with Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe leading the team with 13 points apiece. Toumani Camara contributed 11, but Portland’s lack of firepower was evident. Missing two of their top scorers, Scoot Henderson (left quad contusion) and Deandre Ayton (right index finger contusion), the Blazers couldn’t match Houston’s energy or efficiency.
The game’s turning point came early, as the Rockets trailed briefly before Eason entered the game and sparked a momentum shift. Eason’s 12 first-half points in just 13 minutes energized Houston, and his game-high +33 plus-minus underscored his impact on both ends of the floor.
Houston’s transition game was lethal, as they outscored Portland 23-7 in fast-break points. Defensively, they capitalized on Portland’s mistakes, converting 21 turnovers into 28 points. The Rockets’ ability to pressure the ball and push the pace made it a one-sided affair, even as Portland tried to rally in the second half.
For Brooks, this performance was yet another indication of his resurgence in Houston. The forward, often known for his defensive grit, has found his rhythm offensively, playing a key role in the Rockets’ impressive start. His six 3-pointers highlighted a Rockets team that shot 15 of 39 (38.5%) from beyond the arc, showcasing their ability to spread the floor and create open looks.
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Portland, meanwhile, has now dropped two straight games to start a four-game road trip. While the Trail Blazers showed flashes of competitiveness during a recent three-game home winning streak, their inconsistency and injury woes continue to be obstacles. With a 1-1 record in NBA Cup play, their hopes of advancing in the tournament will depend on bouncing back quickly.
The Rockets’ balanced attack is proving to be their calling card this season, with multiple players stepping up to contribute on both ends. While Green and Şengün remain foundational pieces, performances like Eason’s off the bench demonstrate Houston’s depth and versatility. Their ability to dominate both in transition and in the half-court is a testament to their growth under head coach Ime Udoka.
Portland will have a chance to regroup quickly as these two teams face off again Saturday night in Houston. For the Trail Blazers, finding ways to cut down turnovers and generate offense without their top scorers will be critical. Meanwhile, the Rockets will look to maintain their momentum and continue their stellar play in front of their home crowd.
Friday night’s win not only strengthened Houston’s position in the NBA Cup standings but also solidified their reputation as one of the league’s most improved teams this season. With Brooks leading the charge and a deep supporting cast, the Rockets are proving to be a formidable opponent, capable of dismantling teams on both ends of the floor.