Rockets rally in fourth quarter to beat Trail Blazers 106-99 as Avdija remains sidelined

Houston closes strong after trailing for much of the night

The Houston Rockets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 106-99 on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Toyota Center, using a decisive fourth-quarter push to reverse a game that swung repeatedly across the first three periods. Portland led 34-27 after one quarter and held an 82-77 advantage entering the fourth, but Houston won the final period 29-17 to secure the result.

The win moved Houston to 39-23, while Portland fell to 30-34. The matchup also completed the regular-season series between the teams, which ended tied 2-2.

Key performers: Şengün and Thompson power Houston’s offense

Houston’s scoring was led by center Alperen Şengün with 28 points on 11-of-15 shooting, along with six rebounds and two assists in 26 minutes. Guard Amen Thompson added 26 points on 11-of-12 shooting and seven rebounds, helping stabilize the Rockets during the late turnaround. Reed Sheppard scored 17 points and Kevin Durant finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.

Houston’s efficiency inside the arc and at key moments outweighed a cold perimeter night: the Rockets went 5-of-17 from three-point range, while Portland hit 12 threes but struggled to convert at the foul line.

Portland’s missed free throws and turnovers shape the margins

Portland attempted 37 free throws but made 21, a significant gap in a seven-point game. The Trail Blazers also committed 17 turnovers, compared with 14 by Houston. Despite those issues, Portland stayed within striking distance into the final minutes, supported by strong rebounding and playmaking from Shaedon Sharpe, who posted 20 points and 10 assists.

• Portland shot 33-of-83 from the field (40%).
• Portland went 12-of-39 from three-point range (31%).
• Portland made 21-of-37 free throws (57%).

Injuries and absences: Avdija out again for Portland

Portland played without forward Deni Avdija, who missed his sixth consecutive game due to a low back injury. Houston also had rotation disruption: forward Jabari Smith Jr. did not play, one night after returning from a sprained right ankle.

Final score by quarter: Portland 34-22-26-17 (99); Houston 27-30-20-29 (106).

Both teams return to action on Sunday, March 8: Houston visits the San Antonio Spurs, while Portland hosts the Indiana Pacers.