Rockets' strong finish buries BlazersFirst Quarter:Within the first 10 seconds of playing time, the Rockets had already scored a wide open 3 from Brooks. The Blazers better hope they don't let them score this easy too much during the game or they will have no chance. However, Portland answered right back with a 3 by Roy. From that point Portland took early control of the match to take a 16-7 lead. A good comeback by Houston ending the quarter with the score Portland 22-19 Houston.
Second Quarter:The Rockets continued their fine play which involved some great offense by McGrady to go ahead 28-27 only a short time into the second quarter. The remainder of the quarter was basket-for-basket, except for a small run by the Blazers to end the half leading 47-42
Player At The Half:Brandon Roy | 16 Points | 2 Assists
Third Quarter:Portland continued their run to start the third quarter going up 54-45 off a mid-range Brandon Roy jumper. However a 7-0 run by the Rockets (5 scored by Ariza) would cut the lead back to 2. Portland would, however control the tempo of the remainder of the quarter, taking a 7 point lead at the end of the third quarter, 70-63
Fourth Quarter:Houston would open the fourth quarter like they did the first, with a 3 pointer from Aaron Brooks. However Portland would answer right back with a dunk by Aldridge, who was playing a very good game. But again Houston would hit a 3 on their next possession. This time from Battier. Portland would then answer with a 3 by Blake. Both teams showing great shooting performances in this game. Houston would go on a small run to tie the score at 77 apiece with 6 minutes to play. On the very next play Rudy Fernandez would burn right past his man and slam it down for a monster jam worthy of the highlight reel. From that point, however Houston would go on a 7-0 run to lead by 5. Houston would go on another run to take a 6 point lead with 2 minutes remaining. A charging foul by Brandon Roy would turn the ball right back over to Houston. 2 offensive rebounds on the following play would give Houston second chance points to go up by 8. Time was running out for the Blazers. Nothing would fall for Portland, with Roy missing an easy lay-up on the following play. Houston would play out the game and win 97-86
Final Score: Portland 86-97 Houston
HOU | 19 | 23 | 21 | 34 | 97
POR | 22 | 25 | 23 | 16 | 86
Player Of The Game:Shane Battier | 19 Points | 5 Assists | 3 Rebounds | 1 Steal
GAME LEADERSPoints: Brandon Roy [31] |
Shane Battier [19]Rebounds: Greg Oden [11] |
Ming Yao [13]Assists: Steve Blake + Andre Miller [7] |
Ming Yao [9]Blocks: Greg Oden [1] |
Ming Yao [1]Steals: Travis Outlaw [2] |
Chase Budinger + Aaron Brooks + Shane Battier + Trevor Ariza + Carl Landry [1]NOTABLE PERFORMANCESBrandon Roy | 31 Points | 5 Assists
LaMarcus Aldridge | 14 Points | 7 Rebounds | 5 Assists | 1 Steal
Steve Blake | 13 Points | 7 Assists | 1 Rebound
Andre Miller | 10 Points | 7 Assists | 2 Rebounds | 1 Steal
Greg Oden | 9 Points | 11 Rebounds | 2 Assists | 1 Block
Trevor Ariza | 18 Points | 3 Rebounds | 2 Assists | 1 Steal
Tracy McGrady | 17 Points | 1 Assist
Ming Yao | 13 Rebounds | 9 Assists | 2 Points | 1 BlockFACTORS TO THE RESULTFree Throws | POR - 7/14 |
HOU - 10/13Offensive Rebounds | POR - 6 |
HOU - 9ROOKIE WATCHPatty Mills | DNP - Coaches Decision
Full Box Score Found In My 2kSports.com Blog
HereGAME IMAGES

[From left to right] Przybilla taking on Andersen at the ring | Andersen not happy with a foul call | Aldridge beating T-Mac at the ringClick here for entire game galleryPLAY OF THE GAMEA nice dunk by Rudy FernandezUP NEXTAround the league: Oct 31st