Blazers-Rockets: Houston Wins Without Big Stars 111-107

On a day dominated by football in Oregon, the Blazers took a trip to Houston to take on the pesky Houston Rockets. Unlike Tuesday's opening night game, the Rockets were focused and determined to show the Blazers they can play without Yao, McGrady, or Ron Artest. This particular contest was different than any I'd really seen before from these two teams. Offense seemed to dominate for both, with Houston coming out on top. At this point in the season, even though it's very early, Portland's defense seems to be a major concern. Time after time, the Rockets would swing the ball around the perimeter or Aaron Brooks would beat his man, and everything broke down. Our guys didn't rotate, switch or play help defense. The good news however, is that Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge found their rhythm offensively. Against a tough defensive team like Houston, it's great to see LA being assertive and Brandon doing it all from hitting threes to getting inside for 3-point plays. As far as the ... (link)