Houston extend winning streak to four despite slow start against Portland
The Rockets were held to just 17 points in the first quarter.
The Houston Rockets fought back from a 15-point first-quarter deficit to overcome the Portland Trail Blazers 104-101.
After scoring just 17 points in the opening quarter, the Rockets exploded for 36 in the second to take a three-point lead into half-time.
Neither side were able to pull away in a tight second half, with a missed buzzer-beater from Portland’s Anfernee Simons enough for the Rockets to clinch their fourth straight win.
Victor Oladipo led the way for Houston with 25 points, while Portland’s Damian Lillard finished with 30 points and nine assists.
The Phoenix Suns arrested a three-game losing streak with a 114-93 win over the Golden State Warriors.
Despite being without their primary scoring option in Devin Booker, the Suns weathered a storm from Stephen Curry to reclaim the seventh spot in the Western Conference.
Mikal Bridges finished with 20 points for Phoenix as Curry posted 27 in a losing effort.
The Miami Heat started strong and finished stronger against the Los Angeles Clippers, but they were left to rue some sloppy play in between as they went down 109-105.
Miami were outscored by 21 points in the third quarter as their inconsistent season continued, with this defeat marking their fifth loss in a row.
And the Detroit Pistons took advantage of Anthony Davis’ absence to upset the Los Angeles Lakers 107-92.
LeBron James scored 22 points, just two of which came in the second half, while Blake Griffin top-scored for Detroit with 23.
