National Basketball Association

Roy, Aldrige lead Blazers past Rockets in Game 5

Published Apr. 29, 2009 7:02 a.m. ET

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Brandon Roy was so sick he could barely make it through shootaround.

"I felt pretty lousy," he said.

Luckily for the Portland Trail Blazers, their All-Star guard didn't play that way.

Roy had an IV before Game 5, then went out and scored 25 points to help the Trail Blazers stave off elimination with an 88-77 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night. LaMarcus Aldridge also had 25.

The Rockets, who have not advanced out of the first round of the playoffs in six tries since 1997, hold a 3-2 advantage in the series going into Thursday night's game back in Houston.

Roy, a two-time All-Star, missed practice on Monday because of flu-like symptoms, while Aldridge didn't practice because of a sore right elbow. Both started Tuesday night.

"I've been involved in games when I didn't feel well and played well. Some nights when guys come in under the weather they play their best games. And Brandon had one of those best games tonight," Blazers coach Nate McMillan said. "He came out, took an IV before the game, and played like a champion."

Luis Scola led the Rockets with 21 points. Yao Ming had 15 points and 12 rebounds.

Houston trailed until the fourth quarter, when Yao and Von Wafer hit consecutive jumpers to put the Rockets ahead 68-64. The Blazers tied it at 68, then Greg Oden had another two free throws to give the Blazers back the lead.