Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe delivered when it mattered most, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to a gritty 104-98 win over the Houston Rockets.
Simons poured in 25 points, while Sharpe added 24, helping Portland bounce back from a lopsided loss to Houston the night before.
Blazers Respond with Resilience
Just 24 hours after being routed 116-88 in an NBA Cup game, the Trail Blazers showed their resolve. Portland clamped down defensively and hit clutch shots late to snap a two-game skid. Their ability to shake off the previous night’s struggles highlighted a tenacity that has defined their young core this season.
Closing Drama
In a tense finish, the Trail Blazers held a slim three-point lead before Houston’s Alperen Sengun narrowed it to 99-98 with a close-range basket with just 21 seconds remaining. Portland responded at the free-throw line, where Deni Avdija and Sharpe each hit a pair to stretch the lead to 103-98 with 4.3 seconds left. Simons then added another point on a technical foul against Fred Van Vleet, sealing the victory.
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Tempers Flare Late
The game’s physical intensity boiled over in the final minutes when Dillon Brooks and Sharpe got tangled fighting for a rebound. The scuffle escalated, with Brooks needing to be separated after taking exception to Simons stepping in to defuse the situation. Sharpe was called for a loose-ball foul, while Brooks and Simons received technical fouls, underscoring the high-stakes atmosphere on the court.
Rockets Struggle from Deep
Despite a solid performance from Sengun, who finished with 22 points, and Amen Thompson’s 19 points off the bench, Houston’s shooting woes were glaring. The Rockets connected on just 8-of-32 shots from beyond the arc, a stark contrast to Portland’s 18-of-44 clip. Jalen Green’s 1-of-9 effort from deep exemplified the struggles Houston faced on offense.
Simons Delivers in the Clutch
Simons played a pivotal role in Portland’s late-game surge, scoring five consecutive points to push the Blazers ahead for good. His driving layup and a crucial 3-pointer came after a key block by Avdija, swinging the momentum firmly in Portland’s favor.
Takeaways
Trail Blazers: Portland showed impressive mental toughness, bouncing back from a blowout loss and executing late-game situations with poise. Simons and Sharpe continue to emerge as a reliable offensive duo for the Blazers, while Avdija’s defensive contributions were critical in securing the win.
Rockets: Houston’s inconsistent shooting remains a concern. Following a night where they buried 15 3-pointers, the Rockets faltered offensively, unable to replicate their rhythm from the perimeter. The team must find steadier production to maintain momentum in close games.
Key Stats
The Blazers outshot the Rockets significantly from 3-point range, hitting 18-of-44 compared to Houston’s 8-of-32. That disparity proved crucial in a tightly contested matchup.
What’s Next?
Portland will head to Memphis on Monday night, looking to build on this gritty victory. Meanwhile, Houston visits Minnesota on Tuesday, aiming to address their shooting inconsistencies and regain their offensive rhythm.
As the Blazers’ young core continues to grow, performances like this show their potential to compete and win in high-pressure situations. For the Rockets, consistency remains the key to unlocking their full potential.