Deni Avdija scored a season-high 41 points to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a thrilling 103-102 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, marking Portland’s fourth straight win.
The finish was chaotic: Tari Eason appeared to tip in a game-winning basket at the buzzer, prompting the Rockets to clear their bench in celebration, but officials reviewed the play and determined the shot came after time expired. The teams will meet again Friday at the Moda Center.
Portland led most of the second half, though Houston tied it at 84 on Amen Thompson’s free throw with just under nine minutes remaining. Shaedon Sharpe responded with a 3-pointer to put the Blazers back on top. Later, Kevin Durant brought the Rockets within two on a jumper and free throw with just over a minute left, but Avdija answered with a decisive layup.
Durant, who finished with 37 points, made a pair of free throws to cut Portland’s lead to 103-102 with 5.9 seconds left. On the ensuing inbound, Houston was initially awarded possession after a loose ball foul, but Portland coach Ime Udoka successfully challenged the call. Durant’s 19-foot attempt with 2.1 seconds remaining missed, and Eason’s final shot at the buzzer failed.
The Rockets were without Alperen Sengun, sidelined with a sprained ankle from Saturday’s loss to Dallas. Eason played limited minutes early due to a knee wrap but returned in the second quarter to hit a 3-pointer giving Houston a brief lead.
Portland built momentum late in the first half, closing on a 17-7 run to take a 57-47 lead at the break. Avdija capped the third quarter with an acrobatic 19-foot layup at the buzzer to give the Blazers an 81-75 edge heading into the fourth.
Up next:
Blazers host Houston again on Friday night.
