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

Field Level Media|published: Thu 8th January, 01:17 2026

Jan 7, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Yang Hansen (16) grabs a rebound over Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

Deni Avdija scored 41 points and the Portland Trail Blazers recorded a 103-102 victory over the visiting Houston Rockets on Wednesday night when Tari Eason's tip-in was ruled to be after time expired.

Portland led in the final seconds when Houston's Kevin Durant missed a jumper with 0.8 seconds left. Eason got his hand on the ball and tapped it in the net.

But the officials reviewed the call and ruled that Eason's fingertips were still in contact with the ball when the red light on the backboard came on and waved off the hoop.

Avdija, who registered his second career 40-point outing, was complimented by Shaedon Sharpe's 20 points as the Trail Blazers won their fourth straight game and sixth of seven.

Kevin Durant matched his season high of 37 points and Amen Thompson added 24 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, as the Rockets lost for just the second time in seven games. Eason had 15 points and 13 rebounds for Houston.

The Rockets lost despite a 57-38 rebounding edge that included 24 offensive boards.

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

The teams play again Friday in Portland.

Avdija scored an inside basket to give the Trail Blazers a 103-99 lead with 48.9 seconds to go.

The margin was three when the Trail Blazers fouled Durant with 5.9 seconds left so he wouldn't be able to put up a trey. Durant made both free throws to pull the Rockets within 103-102.

On the ensuing inbounds pass, Eason intercepted Sharpe's pass and was called for a foul. Houston challenged the call and the officials ruled in favor of the Rockets, giving the club a chance for the winning shot.

Portland shot 43.4% from the field, including 12 of 40 from 3-point range.

The Rockets connected on 37.4% of their attempts and 8 of 36 from behind the arc.

Avdija scored 18 first-half points as Portland led 57-47 at the break. Durant had 16 in the half for Houston.

Portland took an 81-75 lead into the final stanza.

The Rockets scored six straight to tie the score at 84 with 8:56 remaining. After the Trail Blazers scored the next four points, Houston missed five shots on a single possession.

Once Portland finally grabbed a rebound, Camara drained a trey to give the Trail Blazers a 91-84 advantage with 6:50 left.

--Field Level Media