The Trail Blazers have cooled off recently (3-7 in their last ten), which has resulted in a tight Western Conference Playoff race. Luckily for Portland, they received some help from the Thunder and Lakers last night. It was no shocker that OKC achieved victory over Houston, but LA toppling Memphis is an unexpected plus for Rip City.
With the Rockets losing, it now moves them a full game behind the Trail Blazers in the Western Conference standings. The Houston loss is likely more significant, because losses by the Jazz and the Rockets will add up quickly (they both trail Portland).