Trail Blazers vs. Rockets: Score, Highlights, Reaction from 2016 Regular Season

Two huge quarters helped the Houston Rockets pull away from the Portland Trail Blazers and earn a 126-109 win Thursday night.

The Rockets used 41 points in the first quarter and 38 in the third to produce their highest scoring output of the season. The offensive explosion helped them improve to 7-5 on the season, while the Blazers fell to 7-6.

James Harden bounced back from a disappointing showing against the Oklahoma City Thunder, earning his third triple-double of the season with 26 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds. He also added three steals for good measure.

Per ESPN Stats & Info, that put him on a short list among franchise greats:

James Harden notches his 12th career triple-double & 3rd this season. Only Hakeem Olajuwon (14) has more in his career with the Rockets. pic.twitter.com/9bF1rmnrn2

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 18, 2016

His teammates joined the fun, with six players finishing in double figures and two more with nine points. Eric Gordon was valuable off the bench, scoring 16 points, while Patrick Beverley scored 11 in his first game back from a knee injury.

C.J. McCollum did all he could to help the Blazers, totaling 26 points on the night. Damian Lillard added 18 points and five assists, while Maurice Harkless scored 19 points.

However, Portland’s defense couldn’t contain the Rockets on the perimeter (14-of-32 from three-point range) or on the boards (54-41 rebounding advantage for Houston).

The Rockets were on fire from the opening tipoff, building a 15-point lead and eventually earning a 41-29 advantage in the first quarter.

Harden was the key to an incredible all-around showing right out of the gate, as the Rockets shared:

.@JHarden13 ended the first quarter with 16 points, 6 rebounds & 6 assists! pic.twitter.com/Jyi4mgjFZM

— Houston Rockets …

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