HOUSTON – Alperen Sengun scored 28 points and Amen Thompson added 26 as the Houston Rockets overcame a late deficit to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 106-99 Friday night at the Toyota Center. The Rockets, now 39-23 on the season, capitalized on a dominant fourth quarter to secure the win and remain tied for fourth place in the Western Conference.
Sengun was remarkably efficient, connecting on 11 of 15 field goal attempts despite playing just 26 minutes due to foul trouble. Thompson was equally impressive, missing only one of his 12 shots and contributing eight points in the crucial final period. Kevin Durant chipped in with 20 points for Houston, providing a steady presence alongside the dynamic duo.
The game was tightly contested throughout, with Portland taking a lead late in the fourth quarter. A three-pointer by Matisse Thybulle put the Trail Blazers ahead 85-77 with just under a minute gone in the final frame. Although, the Rockets responded with a furious 23-4 run over the next eight minutes, fueled by stifling defense and efficient offense. Portland struggled down the stretch, missing 11 of their 13 shot attempts during that critical stretch.
Houston’s fourth-quarter shooting performance was particularly noteworthy, as they connected on 67% of their shots and outscored Portland 29-17 in the period. This late surge proved to be the difference, allowing the Rockets to pull away and secure the victory. For fans unfamiliar with the Western Conference playoff picture, a win like this is crucial for solidifying a top-four seed and home-court advantage in the first round.
Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 21 points, while Jrue Holiday contributed 20 points and 10 assists. Donovan Clingan added a strong performance off the bench, finishing with 18 points and 13 rebounds for Portland. Toumani Camara provided an early spark for the Trail Blazers, scoring 14 points in the first quarter, including four three-pointers, to help Portland establish an initial lead of 34-27.
The Rockets’ victory wasn’t simply about outscoring the Trail Blazers in the fourth quarter; it was a testament to their resilience and ability to execute when it mattered most. Sengun, who was named an NBA All-Star in both 2025 and 2026, continues to be a focal point of the Houston offense, showcasing his impressive post skills and playmaking ability. Thompson, a rising star in his own right, demonstrated his scoring prowess and efficiency, further solidifying his role as a key contributor for the Rockets.
Portland’s struggles down the stretch highlighted their inconsistency, particularly their shooting woes. Despite a strong performance from Grant and Holiday, the Trail Blazers couldn’t maintain their composure and execution when faced with the Rockets’ late-game pressure. Clingan’s rebounding was a bright spot, but ultimately wasn’t enough to overcome Houston’s offensive firepower.
Looking ahead, the Rockets will gaze to build on this momentum as they continue their push for a top-four seed in the Western Conference. Their next game is scheduled for Monday against the Dallas Mavericks. The Trail Blazers, meanwhile, will aim to regroup and address their late-game struggles as they prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.
This win for Houston underscores their growing status as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. The combination of Sengun’s inside dominance, Thompson’s athleticism, and Durant’s veteran leadership makes them a formidable opponent for any team in the league. The Rockets’ ability to overcome adversity and execute in clutch moments will be crucial as they navigate the remainder of the regular season and prepare for the playoffs.
The Rockets and Trail Blazers will meet again on April 7th in Portland, completing their regular season series. That game could have significant implications for playoff seeding, depending on how both teams perform in the weeks leading up to it.
Fans can locate the latest updates and scores on the NBA’s official website: https://www.nba.com/
