Anfernee Simons, the Portland Trail Blazers’ most seasoned offensive threat, returned to the team on Friday night against the Houston Rockets, but it made little difference.
In a 116-88 victory at the Toyota Center, Houston, who own one of the NBA’s best defenses, outperformed the Blazers while their offense went above and above.
Chauncey Billups, the coach of the Blazers, told reporters that the game was difficult overall. They outperformed us in every way a team can be defeated.
Houston, which started the game ranked fourth in points off turnovers per game (20.6), scored nine points thanks to five turnovers committed by the Blazers in the first quarter, handing the game over to the Rockets right away.
After the first quarter, Houston led 31–20. The Rockets dominated the second quarter, shooting 57.1% to take a 65–45 halftime advantage.
The Rockets rallied to take a 96-73 lead going into the fourth quarter after the Blazers made a quick run in the third quarter to pull even at 81-66.
The Rockets scored 21 points off of 14 turnovers committed by the Blazers through the first three quarters. By the end of the game, the Rockets had scored 28 points thanks to 21 turnovers by the Blazers.
Additionally, the Blazers lost 109-99 to Oklahoma City on Wednesday, giving up 28 points off turnovers.
In the first half of a Friday, November 22, 2024, Emirates NBA Cup basketball game in Houston, guard Jalen Green (4) of the Houston Rockets defends against forward Toumani Camara (33) of the Portland Trail Blazers. (Photo by Ashley Landis/AP) APAP
But that’s what the Rockets do, Billups stated. We weren’t the only ones who were careless with the ball. They make you do that. In terms of their defensive play, it’s nearly identical to the Oklahoma City game. They are really annoying. They are quite sedentary.
With 28 points, former Oregon Ducks standout Dillon Brooks led the Rockets. Jalen Green, a guard, scored 17 points in the first half. Tari Eason scored 22 points after coming off the bench.
The Blazers were led by 13 points apiece from Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija.
Houston’s shooting percentages were 38.5% from beyond the arc and 45.2% from the field. With a 32.5% three-point shooting percentage going into the game, the Rockets were ranked 28th.
Only 33% of Portland’s field goal attempts and 25.6% of its three-point attempts (11 of 43) were made. In their last four games, the Blazers shot 42.1%.
When the two clubs play again on Saturday night, the Blazers will want to avoid the same result.
Billups said, “We’ll sleep it off tonight.” Tomorrow, we’ll discuss it, watch it, and give it another go.
IMPORTANCE OF IT (Box score)
After falling to the Rockets (12-5), the Blazers (6-10) are currently 2-6 away from home and 0-2 on this trip. Portland lost the Emirates NBA Cup 1-1. Houston has a 2-0 record.
On Saturday, the two clubs will play again.
“I am really excited about the challenge,” Billups stated. This team is performing on par with all of the other teams in the league. Indeed, they are. They are tenacious. Just as we play hard, so do they. However, they perform together each and every night.
SIMONS IS BACK
After missing two games due to illness and one due to a sprained hand, Simons came back and looked as rusty as one could anticipate.
After starting and playing more than twenty-one minutes, Simons only managed to score eight points on two of seven shots while committing four turnovers.
The center Guard Scoot Henderson (left quad contusion) and Deandre Ayton (right index finger) were not in action.
UPCOMING
At 5 p.m. on Saturday, the Blazers will play the Rockets once more.
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Aaron J. Fentress | [email protected]|@AaronJFentress (Facebook), @AaronFentress (Instagram), and @AaronJFentress (Twitter)
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