Clippers Edge Rockets in Thrilling Finish
HOUSTON — Kawhi Leonard delivered a clutch performance, scoring 27 points and securing a 105-102 victory for the Los Angeles Clippers over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. Leonard’s three-point play with just two seconds remaining proved to be the decisive moment in a tightly contested game.
Leonard, who also grabbed 12 rebounds, was particularly dominant in the fourth quarter, contributing 19 of his total points to extend his career-best streak of 20-point games to 33 consecutive contests.
The Clippers had built a four-point lead when Kevin Durant made one of two free throws. Alperen Sengun then followed with a layup, narrowing the gap to 102-101 with 43 seconds left on the clock. Leonard missed a three-point attempt and Jabari Smith Jr. Secured the rebound, giving possession back to Houston.
Sengun was then sent to the free-throw line and made one of two attempts, tying the score at 102-102 with 7.2 seconds remaining. Leonard grabbed the rebound off the missed free throw, prompting a Clippers timeout. Out of the timeout, Leonard executed a fadeaway jumper while being fouled, completing the three-point play and putting the Clippers ahead 105-102.
The Rockets had one final opportunity to tie the game, but a shot attempt by Tari Eason fell short.
Durant led the Rockets in scoring with 21 points, while Reed Sheppard added 17 points off the bench.
The Clippers had briefly taken a two-point lead before Durant connected on a three-pointer to tie the game. A subsequent dunk by John Collins restored the Clippers’ advantage, pushing the score to 102-98 with approximately 90 seconds remaining.
Earlier in the game, the Rockets had established a five-point lead before the Clippers responded with a 12-0 run, spearheaded by nine points from Leonard, to take an 87-80 lead with around eight minutes left in the contest.
Houston quickly countered with a 13-4 run of their own, fueled by seven points from Durant, to regain the lead at 93-91 with 4 ½ minutes remaining.
The Rockets had built a 13-point lead late in the third quarter, but the Clippers mounted a comeback with a 12-0 run, reducing the deficit to 76-75 with 11 minutes remaining in the game.
Up Next
The Clippers will return home to host the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, February 19. The Rockets will travel to Charlotte to face the Hornets on the same day.
