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It wasn't always pretty, it wasn't always easy either, but the Rockets pulled out game five by the skin of their teeth. After blowing a fourth quarter lead to allow the Blazers within one, Dwight Howard, Jeremy Lin, and James Harden led the Rockets past Portland in a potential elimination game, allowing the Rockets at least the chance at a sixth game.
Harden struggled before scoring five straight points late in the fourth, but Lin and Howard were constants for the entire game, both exceeding 20 points and carrying the Rockets' offense through rough stretches. Lin in particular was important as Patrick Beverley remained dogged with the flu and running a fever well above 100ºF at gametime.
The Rockets head to Portland on Friday night eager to keep the comeback going. If they win, the two teams will return to Houston for a Sunday clash that will have to be the talk of the league. Regardless, enjoy the highlights from the huge win last night, courtesy of CSN Houston: