Rockets Fall To Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard Scores Career-High 71 points
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The Houston Rockets had no answer for Damian Lillard. The seven-time NBA All-Star finished the game with a career-high 71 points on 22-of-38 shooting from the field, 13-22 from behind the arc, as the Rockets ended their five-game road trip in a 131-114 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.
Lillard became the seventh player in league history to score 70 points or more in a single game. He also set a Rockets franchise record for the most points given up by an opposing player.
Houston's struggles against Lillard began early. He scored 16 points during the first quarter. And by halftime, Lillard had 41 points on 13 of 19 shooting, which included eight made triples.
Lillard's dominance led to the Rockets trailing the Trail Blazers 73-58 entering the third quarter.
The Rockets had a solid start to the game. And behind the production of K.J. Martin, Jae'Sean Tate and Alperen Sengun, Houston trailed 32-31 entering the second period.
Sengun led the way on the night for Houston with 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Tate added 17 points, while Martin finished with 14.
Daishen Nix came off the bench and scored a career-high 16 points on 7-of-19 shooting. Tari Eason recorded a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.
The Trail Blazers led by as many as 23 points. But the Rockets made it a competitive game by cutting into Portland's lead during the second half.
Houston started to gain momentum late in the third period. And with 7 minutes and 30 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Rockets trailed 108-103.
Boban Marjanović came off the bench and played a major role in helping the Rockets cut within Portland's lead with 10 points. The Rockets' loss to the Trail Blazers extended their losing streak to nine.
Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. "antsy" for return:
Jalen Green (groin) and Kevin Porter Jr. (toe) remained out due to their respective injuries. During his pre-game availability, coach Stephen Silas said both players are "antsy" to return. Silas is hoping to have Green and Porter back during the Rockets' two-game homestand, which begins Tuesday against the Denver Nuggets.
Rockets lose regular-season series (3-0) against the Trail Blazers:
The Rockets have ended their three-game regular-season series against the Trail Blazers. With the loss, Portland won the series with a 3-0 sweep.
Up Next:
The Rockets will return to the Toyota Center for their first home game in 20 days. They will take on the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, followed by the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday. After a road match on Saturday against the San Antonio Spurs, the Rockets will play six of their next seven games at home.
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