Rockets deliver in must-win Game 5 vs. Trail Blazers to send series back to Portland
The Houston Rockets staved off elimination Wednesday night with a big win on their home court, downing the Portland Trail Blazers 108-98. The Blazers lead the series 3-2 and can advance with a win in Game 6 on Friday.
The Rockets came up with the improved defensive effort that they so desperately needed, limiting Blazers power forward LaMarcus Aldridge to eight points on 3-of-12 shooting.
Star Performer
Point guard Jeremy Lin came off the bench to hit some big shots for the Rockets, providing the team with a much-needed spark.
Lin finished the game with 21 points on 9-of-15 shooting, adding four assists, three rebounds, two steals, and a block.
Jeremy Lin's 21 points helped the @HoustonRockets stay alive in series vs Trail Blazers pic.twitter.com/OTAlXOA05v
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 1, 2014
Turning Point
Damian Lillard knocked down a jumper for the Blazers with 1:58 to play in the first quarter. The team wouldn't score again until Aldridge hit a free throw at the 8:41 mark in the second quarter. The Rockets went on a 15-0 run during that time, and built a lead they never let slip away.
Highlight Reel
Dwight Howard opens the scoring with a tip of the cap to Hakeem Olajuwon.
Aldridge can do no wrong.
Lin scores three points the hard way, just not the way he had in mind.
Quote of the Night
James Harden has taken a lot of heat for his defense in this series. He stepped up his game on Wednesday.
James Harden just played defense. It’s officially over. The world I mean.
— Zach Harper (@talkhoops) May 1, 2014
Series at a Glance
Game 1: POR 122, HOU 120 (OT) (Blazers lead 1-0)
Game 2: POR 112, HOU 105 (Blazers lead 2-0)
Game 3: HOU 121, POR 116 (OT) (Blazers lead 2-1)
Game 4: POR 123, HOU 120 (OT) (Blazers lead 3-1)
Game 5: HOU 108, POR 98 (Blazers lead 3-2)
Game 6: Friday, May 2 - 10:30 p.m. ET
Game 7: Sunday, May 4 - TBA