Rockets clinch NBA’s worst record with loss to Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers scored 50 points in the first quarter on 12-of-16 shooting (75%) on 3-pointers, and it was never especially close after.

The Houston Rockets (16-53) clinched the NBA’s worst record of the 2020-21 season with Monday’s 140-129 loss (box score) in Portland. The Trail Blazers (40-29) blitzed the visitors with 50 points in the first quarter, including an incredible 12-of-16 showing on 3-pointers (75.0%), and the game was never especially close thereafter.

For Houston, it’s the first time they’ve had the league’s worst record since going 14-68 in the 1982-83 season. That launched a run of consecutive No. 1 picks in the NBA draft for the Rockets, who selected Hall of Famers Ralph Sampson and Hakeem Olajuwon in 1983 and 1984.

Damian Lillard led the Blazers with 34 points and 9 rebounds, while Kelly Olynyk (21 points, 8 rebounds), DJ Augustin (21 points), Khyri Thomas (18 points, 5 assists) and Armoni Brooks (18 points, 6-of-9 on 3-pointers) were among the standouts for Houston. Both the Rockets and Blazers hit 18 shots from 3-point range, which led to the high scoring totals.

As usual, the Rockets were quite short-handed, with marquee injury absences including Christian Wood (right ankle), John Wall (right hamstring), Eric Gordon (right groin), and Kevin Porter Jr. (left ankle).

Houston completes its four-game road trip on Wednesday night against the defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, with tipoff scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Central. For now, here’s a selection of highlights, analysis, and postgame reaction from Monday’s loss to Portland.

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjwuE-dFSQs