HOUSTON — In the postgame locker room after the Houston Rockets’ 126-109 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night, James Harden teased teammates, laughed about excess shower water caught in his beard and joked with reporters.
It was a stark contrast from the more solemn and stern version of Harden from last season.
“I’ve been having fun all year, even in games we lose,” Harden said. “This is a special group of guys, coaching staff included, and this locker room is definitely enjoying this ride right now.”
Harden had 26 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds for his third triple-double of the season to help the Rockets overwhelm the Trail Blazers in their highest-scoring game of the season.
Harden completed the triple-double in the third quarter. The Rockets rebounded a night after scoring just three points in the final 6 minutes of a 105-103 loss in Oklahoma City.
“It’s the chemistry,” Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni said. “Everybody is feeling good about themselves. We’re going to make mistakes, and we still have some improving to do, but as long as they come with that attitude every day and work at it and fix their mistakes, good things will happen.”
C.J. McCollum led Portland with 26 points, Maurice Harkless had 19, and Damian Lillard 18, his second-lowest output of the season.
“We kind of suck right now — it’s that simple,” Lillard said. “We’re usually a pretty good offensive team. We’ve been bad on offense and bad on defense. We’re trying hard, but we’re not making the smartest plays — just not good enough. We’re not very good right now.”
Blazers coach Terry Stotts was much less harsh in his assessment of his team’s second straight loss. Portland outscored Houston by a combined 12 points in the second and fourth quarters but was ultimately doomed by a 29-point deficit in the first and third quarters.
The game was tied at 62 at halftime, but Houston took a 100-83 lead into the fourth quarter.
“They’re very good at what they do and Harden is key to that,” Stotts said. “Houston is a very good offensive team — it’s a challenge to guard them.”
Rockets point guard Patrick Beverley made his season debut after missing the first 11 games following arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. Limited to 25 minutes, Beverley had 11 points, three assists and three blocks.
“Our defense is getting a lot better with him out there because of his toughness,” D’Antoni said about Beverley. “He is smart and plays with an edge. You’ve got to have that.”
Playing without backup center Nene, Houston frequently featured smaller lineups with Montrezl Harrell filling in with interior defense while starting center Clint Capela was on the bench. Capela had 15 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, while Harrell added nine points and eight rebounds off the bench.
TIP-INS
Trail Blazers: McCollum made his first six field-goal attempts and had 19 points at the half. … Portland was outrebounded 54-41 and outscored 56-48 in the paint. … Mason Plumlee had eight rebounds and seven assists. … Al-Farouq Aminu (calf) missed his fifth straight game.
Rockets: Despite posting a season-high 41 points in the first quarter, Houston was scoreless for the first 2 minutes. … In the second game of a back-to-back veteran center Nene was given the night off for rest. … Houston made 14 of 32 3-pointers (43.8 percent).
UP NEXT
Trail Blazers: Travel to New Orleans on Friday night.
Rockets: Host Utah on Saturday night.
