Audio By Carbonatix
An understrength Houston Rockets started their NBA campaign with a narrow 128-126 overtime defeat by the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Rockets had only nine players available - one above the NBA minimum - after two positive Covid-19 tests and four others were deemed close contacts.
Their scheduled season-opener on Wednesday against Oklahoma City had been postponed.
CJ McCollum's three-pointer with 6.9 seconds left sealed the victory.
It came after a three-pointer from James Harden with 15.3 seconds left had put the Rockets 126-125 up.
Harden, who finished with 44 points and 17 assists, matching his career high, returned after being fined $50,000 (ÂŁ36,820) by the NBA for a breach violation of its coronavirus protocols.
Christian Wood added 31 points and 13 rebounds on his Rockets debut, while rookie Jae'Sean Tate managed 13 points.
Latest Stories
-
Ministry of Education clarifies basic school language policy, says foreign languages will remain optional
8 minutes -
Otumfuo urges KNUST’s new Vice-Chancellor to lead through dialogue, not command
13 minutes -
Court of Appeal panel changes are routine, not evidence of interference – Samson Lardy Anyenini
15 minutes -
Prof. Christian Agyare officially assumes office as KNUST’s 13th Vice-Chancellor
18 minutes -
MASLOC case: Samson Lardy Anyenini explains why Court of Appeal overturned Sedina’s conviction
23 minutes -
A quiet day in Harare after Zimbabwe’s shutdown call
47 minutes -
UPSA Law School Roundtable charts path for regulating digital assets in Ghana
49 minutes -
MASLOC case: How alleged financial irregularities under Sedina triggered investigations and 78 charges
55 minutes -
Two helicopters collide as Greece battles wildfires, Hungary shuts nuclear plant
1 hour -
MASLOC case: Samson Lardy Anyenini explains Sedina’s trial, conviction and 10-year sentence
2 hours -
From oil executive to Ghana’s cable king
2 hours -
TikTok stars Peller and Jarvis celebrate lavish wedding, receive luxury gifts including plot of land
2 hours -
Israeli strikes kill nine in Gaza, Israeli minister says no deal to halt attacks
2 hours -
Holcim to sell Philippines unit to China’s Huaxin in $807 million deal
3 hours -
Chinese military researchers tap US AI models to train defence systems
3 hours