Font ResizeHouston had to overcome a 42-point performance by Brandon Roy and a determined Trail Blazers offense that kept the game close to the end. Ariza`s previous career high was 26 points, last accomplished March 15 for the Los Angeles Lakers against Dallas.
The Rockets hit 12 of 24 3-point baskets and shot 50.6 percent overall for the game. Ariza was 5 for 8 from 3-point range.
Houston led 59-54 at the half and never lost the lead. Portland got to 87-84 early in the fourth quarter but never could push ahead. LaMarcus Aldridge scored 27 points for the Trail Blazers and Andre Miller had 15.
Brooks` 28 points missed his career high of 30 last March 6 against Phoenix.
The Rockets led by 11 early in the second quarter and they were up 54-44 with 2:20 remaining in the first half. Roy had eight second quarter points, including a pair of 3-pointers down the stretch to keep it close at the half with the Rockets leading 59-54.
Ariza broke loose with 16 points in the first quarter to help the Rockets take a 33-28 lead.
Aldridge hit his first five shots and the Trail Blazers took the early lead, hitting 12 of their first 14 points in the paint.
The Rockets knocked the Trail Blazers out of the playoffs last year with a 4-2 series win in the first round.
NOTES: Rockets coach Rick Adelman still ranks as the second winningest coach in Trail Blazers history (291-154) behind Jack Ramsay. Portland
s loss to Denver on Thursday came despite holding a 43-42 halftime lead. Portland was unbeaten (26-0) last season when leading at halftime at the Rose Garden. Portland plays 19 back-to-backs this season. They were 23-4 last year in the second game of back-to-backs.
Cavs 90, Bobcats 79
CLEVELAND -- Delonte West scored 13 points in his delayed season debut, Mo Williams added 24 and LeBron James 14 as the Cleveland Cavaliers, back at full strength, rolled.
Williams scored 12 in the fourth quarter -- all on 3-pointers -- and James added nine assists and seven rebounds for the Cavs, now 2-2 after an 0-2 start.
Wizards 123, Nets 104
WASHINGTON -- Gilbert Arenas scored 32 points, including a halfcourt buzzer-beater at the end of the first quarter, Andray Blatche scored a career-high 30 and the Wizards won their home opener.
With injured two-time All-Stars Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison on the bench in their expensive dark suits, Arenas made 9 of 13 shots, 11 of 12 free throws and had seven assists.
76ers 141, Knicks 127
NEW YORK -- Andre Iguodala scored 32 points, including the go-ahead three-point play in overtime, and Philadelphia blew a 23-point lead before beating the Knicks.
Lou Williams added 27 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for the 76ers.
Bucks 96, Pistons 85
MILWAUKEE -- Rookie Brandon Jennings scored 21 of his 24 points in the second half, Hakim Warrick came off the bench to add 21 points and the Bucks won their home opener.
Ben Gordon scored 26, Rodney Stuckey 13 and Prince had 12 points for Detroit.
Spurs 113, Kings 94
SAN ANTONIO -- Tony Parker scored 24 points and Richard Jefferson added 21 points, leading the Spurs to a victory over the winless Kings.
The Spurs got a strong performance from Manu Ginobili, who scored 13 points and had three assists in a reserve role.
Mavs 93, Clippers 84
LOS ANGELES -- Dirk Nowitzki had 24 points and nine rebounds, leading the Mavericks over the winless Angeles Clippers.
Jason Terry scored 16 points off the bench, including a 3-pointer that put the Mavericks in front to stay with 5:07 left.
