Rockets drop Trail Blazers 116-107

With the season winding down and coming off of a bad loss to the Utah Jazz, the Houston Rockets had another winnable matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers, and it remained to be seen what version of the Rockets would show up. Thankfully, it was a winnning one.

Jalen Green poured in 26 points while Jock Landale surprised with 20 as the Rockets downed Portland 116-107. Green finished with 10-for-20 shooting as the offensive focal point with Fred VanVleet inactive, and he also had 9 rebounds and shot 5-for-10 from deep.

The Rockets also had a big night from Amen Thompson, who finished with 17 points, 15 rebounds and 6 assists and also got 18 off the bench from Aaron Holiday and 11 from Cam Whitmore.

Houston used their defense to hold Portland to just 39 percent shooting from the field and at one point held a 20-point lead before allowing the Blazers to get back in the game somewhat.

Portland was led by Scoot Henderson, who finished with 30 points, and they also got 28 from Dalano Banton off the bench.

The Rockets now move to 40-41 on the season and will return for the season finale on Sunday, where they will face off with the Los Angeles Clippers. Pick up another dub, and the Rockets will finish with a .500 record. But no matter how you shake it out, the Rockets will finish with a successful season despite missing the playoffs. They had the biggest win increase in the NBA.

See y’all Sunday to wrap up the year.