• Jalen Green scored 26 points, leading the Houston Rockets to a 125-103 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.
• Alperen Sengun contributed 23 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists in a stellar performance.
• The Trail Blazers suffered their fifth consecutive loss, with Scoot Henderson scoring 21 points.
• The Rockets showcased strong offensive efficiency, outscoring Portland 74-53 in the second half.
• Houston improved to 7-1 over their past eight road games.

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — In a commanding performance, the Houston Rockets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 125-103 on Saturday night, marking the Trail Blazers' fifth consecutive loss. Jalen Green took center stage, tallying an impressive 26 points, while Alperen Sengun contributed 23 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists to help the Rockets secure the victory. Dillon Brooks and Tari Eason further bolstered the Rockets' effort, adding 22 and 18 points respectively.

The Trail Blazers struggled throughout the game, unable to overcome the deficit created by Houston's strong play. Scoot Henderson led Portland with 21 points and 11 assists, but it was not enough to stave off the Rockets' relentless offense. Toumani Camara scored 17 points, while several other Trail Blazers, including Anfernee Simons, added contributions, yet the team failed to find their rhythm.

The Rockets, who shot 44.4% from the field and were particularly effective from beyond the arc with a 14-for-31 performance, managed to pull away in the second half. After leading by just one point at halftime, they erupted for a 15-0 run in the third quarter, putting the game out of reach for the Blazers. Houston out-rebounded Portland 61-40, dominating the boards and showcasing their physical presence.

Fred VanVleet returned to the lineup, adding nine points after missing a previous game due to personal reasons. The Trail Blazers were missing key players, including Deni Avdija and Deandre Ayton due to injuries.

Houston's next challenge comes against Detroit, while Portland aims to break their losing streak when they host the Bulls. These results emphasize the Rockets' solid form, winning six out of their last seven games, and solidify their position in the competitive NBA landscape. For more on this matchup, check out the complete coverage from AP News and the detailed report from Reuters.