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Rockets end Trail Blazers' win streak at 13 games

James Harden says he's constantly working on his step-back 3-pointer. It paid off against Portland.
Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer
Mar 20, 2018; Portland, OR, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) reacts after defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 115-111 at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — James Harden says he's constantly working on his step-back 3-pointer. It paid off against Portland.

Harden scored 42 points, including a pair of 3s down the stretch, and the Houston Rockets snapped the Trail Blazers' 13-game winning streak with a 115-111 victory on Tuesday night.

"This doesn't just happen," Harden said about his shot from distance. "I am constantly working on it every day, every single day. I am trying to get better and improve. I'm still doing that."

Portland's winning streak was tied for the second-longest in franchise history. The team also won 13 consecutive games in 2007.

Chris Paul added 22 points for the Rockets, who have won six straight and 23 of their last 24 and have the best record in the NBA.

Al-Farouq Aminu had 22 points, including six 3-pointers, for Portland. The Blazers had also won nine straight at the Moda Center before the loss.

"They're the No. 1 team in the league for a reason. The find ways to win, they've got a lot of shooters out there. James is going to be the MVP of the league. They played how we thought they would play, and our team, I thought we came out and played a good game, too," Damian Lillard said. "We've just got to make a few more plays and make a few more shots if we want to beat a team like that."

Harden and Trevor Ariza each hit 3-pointers to stretch Houston's lead to 110-102. Harden added another step-back 3 with 1:55 left and it seemed Portland was out of it.

"I just try to wait for the defender to make his move," Harden said. "When he gets to where I want him to be, then I take my shot. It's all about rhythm, timing."

But the Blazers rallied with a 9-0 run, capped by CJ McCollum's floater with 28 seconds left to pull within 113-111.

Paul went to the line with 1.3 seconds left and made both shots. After a timeout, Lillard tried a 3-pointer but it missed.

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