Just by looking at game trends, the Portland Trail Blazers’ 107-95 victory over the Houston Rockets last night might appear like an easy-going exercise for Portland against one of the weaker teams in the Western Conference. After all, Portland led by as many as 22 points in the third quarter and never let Houston get within single-digits again.
But don’t get it twisted.
Last night was an ugly, physical — did I say “ugly?” — game for Portland on the road, one that players are likely still feeling sore from today.
“They play fast, they play aggressive and they crash the glass, so anytime you got a team running in there, I mean look at my lip,” Lillard said in the locker room postgame, motioning to his face.