Ariza scores 33 in Rockets’ win

While Ron Artest struggles to get started with the Lakers, Trevor Ariza is thriving in his new home.

Ariza scored a career-high 33 points, Aaron Brooks added 28 points and the Houston Rockets held on to beat the Portland Trail Blazers at home for the fifth consecutive time in the regular season, 111-107, on Saturday night.

Houston 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 with the Lakers.

Ariza was five for eight from three-point range as the Rockets shot 50.6% overall for the game.