Takeaways: Rockets own second half in Portland as Jalen Green, Amen Thompson take charge

 Takeaways: Rockets own second half in Portland as Jalen Green, Amen Thompson take charge

In the opener of a three-game Western Conference road trip, the Rockets shook off a sluggish first half and eventually took care of business in Friday's 123-107 victory at Portland (box score). Houston (28-35) has now won two straight games away from home after winning only five times in its first 29 road matchups this season.

The Trail Blazers (17-45) are the second-worst team in the Western Conference by record, and they were also short-handed with key rotation regulars such as Jerami Grant, Malcolm Brogdon, Deandre Ayton, and Shaedon Sharpe all out due to various injuries.

After trailing by eight points at halftime, the Rockets finally broke out in a big way during a commanding 68-44 second half.

The Rockets had 33 assists for Friday's game, as compared to just 22 for the Trail Blazers. Key individual statistics included:

• Jalen Green: 27 points, 5 assists; 11-of-19 shooting (57.9%), 4-of-9 shooting (44.4%)
• Fred VanVleet: 18 points, 10 assists; 5-of-13 shooting (38.5%), 4-of-9 on 3-pointers (44.4%)
• Alperen Sengun: 19 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists: 7-of-15 shooting (46.7%), 5-of-8 on free throws (62.5%)
• Amen Thompson: 16 points, 8 rebounds, 5 blocks, 2 steals; 7-of-10 shooting (70.0%)
• Jabari Smith Jr.: 15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks; 5-of-11 shooting (45.5%), 3-of-7 on 3-pointers (42.9%)
• Cam Whitmore: 13 points, 7 rebounds; 4-of-9 shooting (44.4%), 4-of-6 on free throws (66.7%)

The Rockets were a team-high +24 in Thompson's 26 minutes, while Green had a momentum-changing dunk over Portland's Anfernee Simons that will be remembered for some time.

Dalano Banton led Portland with 30 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 10-of-27 from the field (37.0%) and 4-of-10 on 3-pointers (40.0%).

Here's our look at Friday's highlights and postgame interviews, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for the Rockets, as the road trip continues, is Sunday afternoon's game at Sacramento (36-26). Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. Central.