Anfernee Simons led the charge with 33 points, propelling the Portland Trail Blazers to a 137-131 victory over the Houston Rockets during Wednesday’s NBA action. Jerami Grant contributed significantly with 21 points, helping the Trail Blazers snap their two-game losing streak.
Blazers coach Chauncey Billups expressed immense pride in his team’s collective effort. Portland initiated overtime with a decisive 9-2 surge, featuring Malcolm Brogdon’s crucial five points, establishing a 133-126 advantage with roughly two minutes remaining in the additional period.
“So many great efforts, and I’m just proud of our guys,” Billups said.
The Rockets narrowed the gap to four points in the dying moments of overtime, thanks to Alperen Sengun’s free throw and Fred VanVleet’s layup. However, a pivotal tip-in by Deandre Ayton in the final 10 seconds cemented Portland’s lead at 135-129, securing their victory.
Brogdon ended the game with 19 points, while Ayton amassed 18 points and 17 rebounds. Billups lauded Brogdon’s reliability and veteran savvy in impacting the game.
“Malcolm is just Mr. Reliable for us,” Billups said. “He makes shots when we need it. … He makes plays when we need it. He just does it all for us. He’s a savvy veteran who can impact games.”
Despite Sengun’s impressive 30 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, and Jalen Green’s 29 points, the Rockets suffered their second consecutive loss. Green acknowledged the game’s significance, emphasizing the need for the team to recover.
“This was a game we should have won tonight,” Green said. “But things happen, and we’ve got to bounce back.”
A pivotal moment came when Brogdon’s 3-pointer and Aaron Holiday’s free throws brought Houston to a 124-121 lead just before regulation’s end. However, Grant’s dramatic off-balance three-pointer at the buzzer pushed the game into overtime, a moment Billups described as a testament to Grant’s greatness.
“The shot was incredible that he hit,” Billups said. “Great players make coaches look good. He hit a heck of a shot. He just rose up and knocked it down.”
Late in the fourth quarter, Portland had taken a brief lead with Ayton’s key contributions, but Houston responded with Sengun and Green’s efforts to regain the lead. VanVleet, returning from a back injury, added 18 points for the Rockets but emphasized the need for better defense.
“We’ve just got to guard better,” VanVleet said. “Our defense wasn’t very good.”
Next, the Trail Blazers will face the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, while the Rockets will meet the Charlotte Hornets on the same day.
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