NBA: Deni Avdija, Trail Blazers beat Rockets after game-winner waived off

Deni Avdija poured in 41 points as the Portland Trail Blazers held on for a 103-102 victory over the visiting Houston Rockets on Wednesday night, after Tari Eason’s potential game-winning tip-in was ruled too late.

Portland maintained a slim lead in the final seconds when Houston’s Kevin Durant missed a jumper with 0.8 seconds remaining. Eason tapped the ball toward the basket, but officials reviewed the play and determined his fingertips were still in contact with the ball when the red light on the backboard came on, nullifying the hoop.

Avdija’s performance marked his second career 40-point outing, complemented by Shaedon Sharpe’s 20 points as Portland captured its fourth straight win and sixth in seven games.

Durant matched his season high with 37 points, while Amen Thompson added 24 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists for Houston, which suffered only its second loss in seven games. Eason finished with a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds.

Despite a 57-38 rebounding advantage, including 24 offensive boards, the Rockets fell short.

Toumani Camara contributed 14 points before fouling out for Portland, which never trailed in the second half. Donovan Clingan added 12 points and seven rebounds, while reserve Caleb Love chipped in 10 points.

The teams will meet again Friday in Portland.

Avdija scored an inside basket to give Portland a 103-99 lead with 48.9 seconds remaining. The Trail Blazers then fouled Durant with 5.9 seconds left to prevent a three-point attempt. Durant made both free throws, narrowing the margin to 103-102.

On the ensuing inbounds pass, Eason intercepted Sharpe’s pass but was called for a foul. Houston challenged the call, and the officials ruled in favor of the Rockets, giving them a final opportunity to win.

Portland shot 43.4% from the field, including 12 of 40 from three-point range. The Rockets connected on 37.4% of their attempts, hitting 8 of 36 from beyond the arc.

Avdija scored 18 points in the first half as Portland led 57-47 at the break. Durant had 16 in the half for Houston. Portland held an 81-75 lead entering the final quarter.

Houston scored six straight points to tie the game at 84 with 8:56 remaining. After Portland responded with four points, Houston missed five shots on one possession. Once the Trail Blazers secured the rebound, Camara hit a three-pointer to extend Portland’s lead to 91-84 with 6:50 left.

—Field Level Media/Reuters