----- Anfernee Simons scored a team-high 25 points including the go-ahead three-pointer with 1:03 remaining as the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Houston Rockets 104-98 Saturday night at Toyota Center in Houston, TX.
The Trail Blazers leaned on defense and physicality to defeat the Rockets on Saturday night in Houston!
Anfernee Simons scored a game-high 25 points, Jerami Grant and Shaedon Sharpe combined for 46 points, and Deni Advija added 14 points and 10 rebounds as the Portland Trail Blazers (7-10) defeated the Houston Rockets (12-6) 104-98 Saturday night at Toyota Center.
Simons connected on a clutch three-pointer with 1:03 remaining to put Portland ahead for good and Sharpe iced the game with two free throws with 4.3 seconds on the clock.
Houston’s Dillon Brooks and Sharpe had to be separated after they got tangled up fighting for a rebound with about two minutes left. Brooks had to be pulled away from Simons after Brooks took issue with Simons pushing him away from the fray.
Sharpe was called for a loose ball foul on the play and Simons and Brooks both received technical fouls.
Alperen Sengun had 22 points and Amen Thompson added 19 points off the bench for the Rockets.
The Trail Blazers closed the game on a 10-2 run.
Portland connected on just 37.8% of their field goals, but were +30 from three-point range. The Trail Blazers connected on 18-of-44 from beyond-the-arc while the Rockets made just 8-of-32.
Up Next- The Trail Blazers continue their five-game road trip Monday in Memphis against the Grizzlies. The game is scheduled to tip off at 5:00 PM.
Chad's Take- Trail Blazers responded after Friday's loss with toughness, defense, and late-game execution. Great team-win.