Amen Thompson delivers a wild and-1 against the Blazers
Fresh off escaping the Phoenix Suns with a 100–97 victory on Kevin Durant’s clutch bucketthe Houston Rockets lived on the edge against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night. Amen Thompson delivered the climax that defined the moment.
Early in the third quarter at the Moda Center, Thompson grabbed a rebound, went from coast to coastand reversed into a wild shot plus a foul. A moment silenced the building and the momentum shifted for a moment. For a brief moment, it looked like another late breakout might be on the way.
The Rockets needed every spark as they trailed entering the fourth, but they fought back with pace and pressure. Houston tied the game at 84 and continued to rely on transition chances. Thompson remained aggressive. He attacked the gaps and cleaned the glass. Kevin Durant once again carried the scoring, finding rough looks when the offense stalled. The margin remained thin. Every possession was important. Then the night turned.
Rockets caught at the finish are decided by inches
Meanwhile, the Blazers responded to the Rockets’ push with calm execution. Soon after, Portland extended the lead to as many as nine points in the final two minutes. During that period, Danny Avdia controlled the game, scoring from all angles and punishing late turnovers. Even so, the Rockets refused to give up. In response, one last rebound put Houston briefly ahead by one in the final seconds. Then came the whistle. Tari Eason’s apparent game-winner was ruled out, and the chance was gone.
As a result, the final result told the sting. Portland beat the Rockets 103–102. Thompson finished with 24 points on efficient shooting, added 12 rebounds and recorded six assists. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant poured in 37, but missed the late look he was known for after the Suns game. At the other end, Avdia erupted for 41 to seal Portland’s fourth straight victory, pushing the Blazers to 18–20. Houston fell to 22–12 and sixth in the standings.
Even then, Amen Thompson’s highlight reel cut through the noise. One call changed the ending. Nights like this shape teams. So the question now remains for the Rockets: How many close lessons are needed before their next one finally breaks through?
2026-01-08 13:13:00
