Kevin Durant led the Houston Rockets with 30 points, while Alperen Sengun nearly recorded a triple-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists in a 140-116 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday at the Toyota Center.
Jabari Smith Jr. added 22 points, and Amen Thompson chipped in 19 as Houston extended its winning streak to three games.
The Rockets shot 50% from the field, including 17 of 45 from three-point range, and converted Portland’s 20 turnovers into 30 points. Houston trailed briefly in the second quarter but ended the half on an 11-3 run to take a 69-60 lead into halftime.
Durant scored 16 points in the first period, setting the tone for the Rockets’ offense, while Sengun and Smith Jr. helped maintain a double-digit lead throughout the second half. Houston opened the third quarter with an 8-0 run capped by a Josh Okogie three-pointer, stretching the advantage to 17 points.
Deni Avdija led the Trail Blazers with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Shaedon Sharpe added 19 and Toumani Camara scored 16. Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant each posted 13 points, but Portland could not match Houston’s offensive balance.
Tari Eason left the game with a bruised right hip midway through the second quarter, though the Rockets’ depth helped them maintain momentum. Houston’s bench production, led by Reed Sheppard with 13 points, contributed to the team’s dominance.
The Rockets improved to 8-3 overall and 1-1 in NBA Cup play, while the Trail Blazers fell to 6-6 overall and also 1-1 in cup action. Houston will host the Orlando Magic on Sunday to close its three-game homestand, and Portland continues its road trip against the Dallas Mavericks.
Houston outrebounded Portland 49-44 and assisted on 26 baskets, highlighting their efficient offensive execution and defensive pressure. The Rockets never allowed the Trail Blazers to reduce the lead below 10 points in the second half.
