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Rockets look to stay unbeaten with Paul

HOUSTON -- While there are many hurdles left for the Houston Rockets to clear en route to cementing their status as legitimate title contenders, the challenge they faced and conquered Saturday night in Portland could prove landmark as opponents continue canvasing methods to keep the Rockets' high-powered offense contained.

The Trail Blazers' gambit was clear: Keep the Rockets inside the arc and siphon off their unique ability to bury foes with volume 3-point shooting.

Singularly, that strategy worked as Portland limited Houston to just 25 3-point attempts, roughly 20 below the Rockets' league-leading average. Mix in a formidable challenge to the Rockets' improved defense, and the Blazers fashioned the makings of an upset, carrying a 14-point advantage into the fourth quarter.