HOUSTON - LaMarcus Aldridge scored 24 points and Damian Lillard added 23 to help the Portland Trail Blazers fight off a late charge from the Houston Rockets for a 109-98 victory on Sunday night.
James Harden tied a season high with 45 points for the Rockets, who are playing without star center Dwight Howard, out indefinitely with knee swelling.
The Trail Blazers led by 17 in the second half, but a big third quarter helped Houston to a slim lead early in the fourth quarter. Portland scored seven straight points to break a tie and take a 92-85 lead midway through the period, with five points from Meyers Leonard in that stretch.
Houston cut the lead to four points twice in the last 2 ½ minutes, but Portland answered both times.
