Fourth Quarter Dooms Houston Rockets in 111-105 Loss to Trail Blazers

The Houston Rockets’ road trip hit another bump Friday night in Portland, falling 111-105 to the Portland Trail Blazers in a game that slipped through their hands late. Portland’s win extended its season-best five-game streak and left Houston asking the same question they’ve faced all week: What’s going to break the fourth quarter first? 

This one was pull-no-punches from the jump. Houston held a double-digit lead entering the fourth thanks to solid production from Kevin Durant (30 points, 12 rebounds) and sustained bench contributions. 

Durant also hit a three in the third that put him past Wilt Chamberlain into seventh all-time on the NBA scoring list, a genuine milestone that the building acknowledged even as the night ultimately slipped away. 

Led by Toumani Camara’s 25 points, with Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija each adding 20, the Trail Blazers methodically chipped away and then seized control when it mattered. Avdija’s three pulled Portland within striking distance late, and a string of four free throws in crunch time pushed them out in front for good. 

Once again, the fourth quarter flipped the script. Houston’s offense went cold- especially from deep- while Portland dialed up the intensity. The Blazers outscored the Rockets 34-15 in the final frame and turned momentum into a sustained run that Houston couldn’t answer down the stretch. 

Amen Thompson had a strong night with 24 points and nine rebounds, and Reed Sheppard gave the Rockets a lift off the bench, but the late surge from Portland was the difference. Houston’s shooting dried up when they needed it most, and costly fourth-quarter turnovers opened the door that Portland walked right through. 

On the other side, Portland’s depth and poise in the final period showed up big. Camara and company attacked patiently, exploited mismatches, and buried crucial free throws while Houston searched for answers. 

Final scoreboard: Blazers 111, Rockets 105.