The Houston Rockets came into Portland on Saturday evening and defeated the Trail Blazers 125-103. The Rockets imposed their style and pace of play to wear down the Blazers in order to pull away in the second half.
The Blazers, who got back Jerami Grant after missing eight games, trailed 51-50 at halftime as they matched the Rockets for rebounds, loose balls, and paint points. Unfortunately for Rip City, the team with the second best record in Western Conference made the appropriate adjustments at halftime. In particular they started to take and hit the three-point shot.