The Houston Rockets, led by Jalen Green‘s 27 points and electrifying dunks, rallied to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 123-107 in an impressive comeback during Friday’s NBA action. Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun also played key roles in the victory, contributing to the team’s improved performance after a recent slump.
“It’s a big energy booster,” Green said. “The team with our sidelines, standing there yelling. I just get chills to the body. … It just changes the whole atmosphere.”
Despite trailing by 12 points earlier in the game, the Rockets took control in the third quarter and never looked back, eventually extending their lead to 18 points. This win improved Houston’s record to 28-35, while the Trail Blazers faced their third consecutive loss, dropping to 17-45.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
Rockets coach Ime Udoka highlighted the team’s defensive effort in the second half as a turning point in the game.
“I love the way they came out and responded to the challenge, to come out and hold them them to 24 in the third, 20 in the fourth,” Udoka said. “Really used the defense to ignite our game in general, so the energy was better, and they responded to it well.”
The Trail Blazers were hampered by the absence of several key players due to injuries, including DeAndre Ayton, Scoot Henderson, Malcolm Brogdon, and Jerami Grant. These setbacks have posed challenges for Portland as they aim to develop their younger talent and build team chemistry.
“It’s frustrating,” Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said. “The good thing is, we’re trying to develop. So it does give the young guys an opportunity to get some game minutes. But what happens is you lose so many opportunities for chemistry and synergy with the starters and you’re players that you depend on the most. So it’s kind of a double-edged sword.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
The game saw a dynamic shift in the second half, with Green’s defensive plays and dunks igniting the Rockets’ comeback. Houston managed to tie the game in the second quarter and eventually took the lead, riding the wave of momentum to secure the win.
“Those dunks Jalen had, just playing defense, locking up and spreading out,” Rockets rookie Amen Thompson said. “It tuns the momentum in our favor.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jalen Green, Houston Rockets, Anfernee Simons, Portland Trail Blazers Updates
As both teams prepare for their next games, the Rockets look to carry their newfound momentum into Sacramento, while the Trail Blazers hope to bounce back against Toronto.
