Portland Trail BlazersOpen full analysis
Houston RocketsOpen full analysis
Houston dominated Portland 140-116 at Toyota Center on November 14, with Kevin Durant's 30 points and Alperen Sengun's 25 points leading the Rockets' offensive assault. Houston shot 50 percent from the field and connected on 17 three-pointers, while holding the Trail Blazers to 47.2 percent shooting and forcing 20 turnovers. The Rockets' defense was suffocating, posting a 138.9 defensive rating compared to Portland's 110.6 offensive rating, and the home team's 16 steals underscored their ball-hawking intensity. Portland's Donovan Avdija (22 points) and Shaedon Sharpe (19 points) provided resistance, but the Blazers' 13 three-pointers and 18 assists couldn't offset Houston's efficiency advantage. The fourth quarter proved decisive, with Houston outscoring Portland 35-25 to put the game away after a competitive first half. Houston's balanced attack and defensive pressure suggest they're formidable in the Western Conference, while Portland faces questions about closing games and protecting the basketball.
