With victory in Portland, the Rockets (28-13, No. 2) end the first half of the season with 56 wins

On By Littum

In a clear mismatch between franchises at different positions, the Rockets wrapped up a three-game road trip and their first half of the NBA’s 2024-25 regular season with Saturday’s 125-103 blowout win (box score) in Portland.

With the victory, Houston (28-13) extended its lead to no. 2 place in the Western Conference. The overmatched Trail Blazers (13-28) remain in rebuilding mode near the bottom of Western position.

Individual statistics of note included:

  • Jalen Green: 26 points, 5 rebounds; 10-of-17 shooting (58.8%), 4-of-6 on 3-pointers (66.7%)

  • Alperen Sengun: 23 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals; 10-of-19 shooting (52.6%)

  • Dillon Brooks: 22 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists; 9-of-18 shooting (50.0%)

  • Tari Eason: 18 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals; 6-of-10 shooting (60.0%), 6-of-8 free throws (75.0%)

  • Cam Whitmore: 12 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists; 4-of-14 shooting (28.6%)

  • Scoot Henderson (Trail Blazers): 21 points, 11 assists, 5 rebounds; 6-of-11 shooting (54.5%), 3-of-5 on 3-pointers (60.0%)

After a somewhat sluggish and uninspired first half, the Rockets scored 74 points in the second half to take command of the game. Houston, who leads the NBA in reboundingwon the rebounding game against Portland by a commanding 61-40 margin. The Rockets also forced 19 turnovers from the Trail Blazers, while committing only 12 themselves.

Forwards Jabari Smith Jr. (left hand fracture) and Amen Thompson (left calf tightness) were out for the Rockets, while the Trail Blazers were without promising young center Donovan Clingan (right ankle sprain) and veteran Deandre Ayton (lower back soreness). ).

Jan 18 Rockets-Trail Blazers complete highlights

18 January Reaction and interviews after the game

What’s next

The Rockets return home for a pair of games at the Toyota Center, starting with Monday’s matinee against the Detroit Pistons (21-21). Tipoff is at 1 p.m. Central.

More: ‘Sky is the limit’: NBA veteran Jeff Green on the future of Houston’s Amen Thompson

This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: With the win in Portland, the Rockets end the first half of the season with 56 wins