Trail Blazers rally to force OT, take commanding series lead vs. Rockets
The Portland Trail Blazers stormed back from a 10-point deficit at halftime to force overtime and defeat the Houston Rockets 123-120, taking a commanding 3-1 series lead in Game 4 on Sunday.
Portland will have an opportunity to end the series at Houston on Wednesday and advance to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in 14 years.
Star Performer
LaMarcus Aldridge continued to have his way with Houston's defense, scoring a game-high 29 points for Portland as part of his third double-double of the series. Aldridge grabbed 10 rebounds and also added a game-high four blocks while scoring 19 of 29 points in the second half and overtime.
Aldridge is averaging over 35 points through four playoff games against the Rockets.
Turning Point
Nicolas Batum was 2-for-7 from 3-point range, but his second one put the Trail Blazers up 115-110 with 2:35 remaining in overtime. Along with tying helping the team tie a franchise record for most 3-pointers in a playoff game with 11, Portland never trailed after Batum's basket, weathering a late push by the Rockets.
Highlight Reel
After saving the ball from going out-of-bounds, Mo Williams hit a big 3-pointer to give the Trail Blazers a slim lead in the final minute of regulation:
The lead stood until Dwight Howard responded with a two-handed dunk to knot the score at 106-106 and force overtime:
Portland shooting guard Wesley Matthews sealed the victory with this steal on Patrick Beverley in the final seconds of overtime:
Things got a little heated between Williams and James Harden after the final buzzer.
Series at a glance
Game 1 Recap: Trail Blazers 122, Rockets 120 (OT)
Game 2 Recap: Trail Blazers 112, Rockets 105
Game 3 Recap: Rockets 121, Trail Blazers 116 (OT)