Houston are ahead in the Western Conference First Round 1-0 after a 87-84 upset of Portland, created by a mistake-filled game. "We stank," said losing coach Bob. "We beat them around like high-schoolers whenever we played like we usually do, but that wasn't often enough. There's just no excuse for that type of play. I suppose we just got overconfident; I mean Portland isn't exactly a top-notch team. But we sure stank it up out there."

Houston coach Bob focused more on the positives. "Bob can say what he wants, but we really managed to knock them out of their usual plan. Would that have happened if they weren't playing anybody? He makes it sound like they gave the game away, but the truth is that we played with them the whole way and were in position to capitalize when our chances came."

Houston was led by Lewis (25 points, 1 assists, a block), Sims (16 points, 2 assists, a block), Fox (11 points, 4 assists). Portland was led by Smith (24 points, 6 boards, 10 assists, a steal, 2 blocks), Vanderveer (19 points, 1 assists, 5 blocks), Mendez (18 points, 3 blocks).

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