Rockets Overcome Sluggish First-Half En Route to Comeback Victory vs. Trail Blazers

The Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to nine following a second-half comeback victory against the Trail Blazers.

HOUSTON -- The Houston Rockets had their worst performance in March. But despite their subpar play, the Rockets extended their winning streak to nine following a 110-92 win over the Portland Trail Blazers Monday night inside the Toyota Center.

With the win, the Rockets remain one game back of the Golden State Warriors for the 10th and final spot in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament. They also improved their record to 11-1 since March 1.

Mar 25, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) takes a three-point shot

Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

The Rockets spent most of the night trying to overcome a slow start that had them in a nine-point hole early in the second quarter. Houston shot 35.7 percent from the field during the first half, which led to a 51-47 deficit at the halftime break.

The Rockets' lack of 3-point shooting played a significant role in their subpar production in the first-half. Houston missed 14 of its first 17 attempts from behind the arc. The Rockets' shooting struggles came two nights after they made 27 triples in Saturday's blowout victory vs. the Utah Jazz.

Houston's struggles continued until the 5:00 mark of the third quarter. Jalen Green drilled his second 3-point field goal of the night and converted a dunk on the next possession following a forced turnover. Green's back-to-back baskets gave the Rockets a 67-66 lead and momentum that carried them to the win.

Green finished with a team-best 27 points on 9 of 26 shooting and six rebounds in the win. He accounted for 12 of Houston's 33 points during the third quarter.

The third-year guard was one of six players to score in double-figures for Houston. Jock Landale kept the Rockets afloat during their first-half struggles, where he scored all 17 points, to go along with 10 rebounds and a block. Amen Thompson added 12 points, while Aaron Holiday came off the bench and scored 11.

The Rockets outscored the Trail Blazers 63-41 during the second half while shooting 45.0 percent from the field.

The Trail Blazers were led by Dalano Banton, who finished the night with a double-double of 28 points and 11 rebounds. Scoot Henderson added 15 points despite coming into Houston averaging 21.3 points over his previous three games.