Blazers Lose to Rockets, Late-Game Struggles Persist

0:00This is Corey with NBA News Today, powered by the Daily News Now. Subscribe for daily updates on your team. The Portland Trail Blazers fell to the Houston Rockets 1-6-99 at the Toyota Center. They carried a lead into the fourth quarter, but washed it slip away on a 15-0 run by Houston. The Blazers competed well for most of the game, holding strong through three quarters. The late misses on free throws, shots at the rim, and from beyond the arc, let the Rockets pull ahead. Acting head coach Thiago Splitter called it disappointing despite the team's hard fight. He pointed out they took better care of the ball, but couldn't convert key chances. Jeremy Grant agreed it felt solid for much of the match-up before they eased up. This loss kept a 5-game road trip with just two wins, leaving a bitter end to what had some bright spots. It stings the morale as they head home. With 18 games left, Portland needs to fix these late-game issues to push for a better spot in the play-in tournament.

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