"The Houston Rockets had the right ingredients to beat the Trail Blazers Wednesday night at the Rose Garden.

Namely, great shooting, plenty of energy in the first half and a band of reserves who played like starters.

The Rockets (14-11) jumped to a 14-point halftime lead, extended it to 19 points early in the third quarter, saw all of it disappear and then closed strong in a 103-96 victory."