Houston Rockets 116 – Portland Trail Blazers 101 (Recap)

Nov 5, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) dunks against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

After a difficult night against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Houston Rockets traveled to the Moda Center to face the Portland Trail Blazers. Back – to – backs are difficult to deal with conditioning -wise but the Rockets relied on the two guys they supposed to rely on. The Rockets played their best overall game so far during this young season beating the Blazers 116-101.  Dwight Howard had his best offensive performance so far this season finishing with 29 points, and 13 boards.  Howard shot 10-13 form the field and 9-12 from the free throw line. James Harden had a horrible offensive, and defensive game against the Clippers, but bounced back nicely finishing with 33 points, 2 blocks, and 7 boards. The team defense was definitely turned up a notch as they held the Blazers to 41% shooting while the Rockets shot 55%.

In the first half the Blazers were able to get spacing and shoot 6 of 9, from behind the three point line, while Houston shot 2 of 12 from deep. Lucky for the Rockets everything else for the Rockets was dropping including Dwight Howard free throws. The Rockets took a lead into the half and even though the Blazers threatened they never got within 6 points.

The duo of Howard and Harden showed what they are truly capable of. As for the rest of the Rockets, Omri Casspi had another solid game finishing with 7 points, 5 dimes, and 8 boards. Patrick Beverley made his return and both he and Jeremy Lin had 12 points.

The Rockets now head back to Houston and rest up till Thursday when the Los Angeles Lakers come to town.

Box Score