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 Rockets go, two people really stood out to me.

First of all, Trevor Ariza has obviously proved a point to the Lakers. He's a great defensive player but with Houston he's proving that he can do a lot offensively.

He shredded Portland tonight; there seemed to be a major inability by the Blazers to get out on three point shooters. Ariza and Brooks were deadly from deep. Speaking of Brooks, the guy absolutely kills us.

Mike Rice alluded to it on the broadcast, but he fits very well in the NBA with the current rules geared towards offense. Brooks completely destroys Portland's point guards every time, it's ridiculous.

There is no time to sulk in this loss, a young, hungry Oklahoma City team is waiting for Portland's arrival tomorrow night. The Blazers need not think this will be an easy task, the Thunder have come out of the gates tougher than ever. I'm looking forward to it.

Box Score

Team defense. Outlaw going 1-8, again. Wrong substitutions at the wrong times.	Roy and Aldridge combining for 69 points. 8 blocked shots. Not giving up at the end?