Rockets stun Trail Blazers in opener

Yao Ming scored 24 points, all in the first half, and the Houston Rockets spoiled Portland’s back-in-the playoffs euphoria with a 108-81 victory over the Trail Blazers in the opener of their first-round series Saturday night at Portland, Ore.

The Rockets led by as many as 31 points in the second half.

Yao, who also had nine rebounds, made all nine of his shots from the field and all six of his free throws.

Yao did not attempt a shot in the second half and sat for all of the fourth quarter.

Aaron Brooks scored 27 points for the Rockets, who haven’t advanced past the first round of the playoffs since 1997.

Brandon Roy had 21 points for the Trail Blazers in their first playoff appearance since the 2002-03 season.

Cleveland 102, Detroit 84 -- LeBron James banked in a three-pointer at the halftime horn and the Cavaliers’ superstar finished with 38 points, eight rebounds and seven assists as the team embarked on its quest for a first NBA championship in Game 1 of its Eastern Conference playoff series.

James’ 41-foot runner stunned the Pistons and gave Cleveland, the league’s most dominant home team during the regular season, a 12-point halftime lead.

Rodney Stuckey scored 20 points for the Pistons.

Dallas 105, San Antonio 97 -- Josh Howard led the Mavericks to their first postseason road victory since 2006, scoring 25 points in Game 1 of their Western Conference series.

The sixth-seeded Mavericks had lost nine consecutive playoff road games.

Tim Duncan scored 27 points for the Spurs.