Kevin McHale has praised Troy Daniels after he scored the winning points during the Houston Rockets' overtime win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

The 121-161 victory leaves the Rockets just a game behind their opponents in their first-round playoff series after the rookie shooting guard gave them the lead inside the final 30 seconds of overtime.

The coach told reporters: "He competes. He dives on the floor for balls. He's a tough kid.

"We haven't done anything yet. We've won one game. But it feels a lot better than losing."

Daniels spent time in the NBA's development league earlier this season before making his debut with the Rockets last month.