NBA: Rockets' Zhou Qi makes first appearance of the season

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The Houston Rockets dropped their fourth game in a row after getting pummeled by the Portland Trail Blazers 104-85 at home.

But, there was good news for Chinese fans as Zhou Qi made his debut in this NBA season and scored his first points.

Zhou came in for the Rockets in the last minute of the game. Soon he got into the business as Gerald Green went to drive in and fed the Chinese for a two-handed dunk, gaining the young Chinese basketball player his first points of the season.

However, even Zhou's scoring debut could not save the Rockets.

Zhou Qi #9 of the Houston Rockets during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas,October 30, 2018. /VCG Photo

Earlier, the Trail Blazers led the Rockets 19-15 after the first quarter of play. Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony made a combined two of 16 shot attempts in the first half. Damian Lillard was the leading scorer with 15 points at the half. The Trail Blazers led at halftime 51-36.

The Trail Blazers continued to dominate in the third quarter outscoring the Rockets, 34-26. The Rockets led 85-62 after three quarters of play with Damian Lillard scoring 22 points.

Damian Lillard (L) of the Portland Trail Blazers goes for the basket against the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, US, October 30, 2018. /VCG Photo

Without James Harden, the Rockets offense was unable to mount a fourth-quarter comeback. The Trail Blazers went on to win the game, 104-85. James Harden did not play due to a hamstring injury.

The Trail Blazers improved to 5-2 while the Rockets fell to a disappointing 1-5.

(With agency inputs)