HOUSTON – The Houston Rockets defeated the LA Clippers 102-95 on Tuesday night, powered by a strong performance from Kevin Durant, who scored 26 points, and Alperen Sengun, who added 22.
The Rockets established a six-point lead entering the final quarter and quickly extended their advantage, scoring the first seven points of the period to lead 85-72 with 10 and a half minutes remaining. Kawhi Leonard managed to score two free throws for the Clippers, but Houston responded with another four points, further solidifying their lead.
Later in the quarter, with the Rockets holding a comfortable margin, Durant stole the ball from Brook Lopez. Reed Sheppard then connected on a difficult shot while losing his balance, increasing Houston’s lead to 92-77 with approximately six and a half minutes left to play. The Rockets maintained a 15-point advantage a minute later, prompting Clippers coach Tyronn Lue to substitute his entire bench.
Leonard led the Clippers with 24 points, a notable decrease from his impressive 41-point performance in the previous encounter between the two teams in December. In that earlier game, Los Angeles had a remarkable shooting night, making 20 three-pointers in a 128-108 victory. However, on Tuesday, the Clippers struggled from long range, converting only eight of their 30 attempted three-point shots.
Jabari Smith Jr. Contributed 13 points and 11 rebounds for the Rockets, while Amen Thompson added 16 points upon his return to the lineup. Thompson had missed the Rockets’ previous victory against Oklahoma City due to illness.
The game highlights a continuing trend for the Rockets, who are demonstrating increasing consistency as the season progresses. Their ability to control the tempo and capitalize on opponent’s shooting struggles proved crucial against a Clippers team that relies heavily on perimeter offense. The victory is particularly significant for Houston as they navigate a competitive Western Conference landscape.
For the Clippers, the loss underscores their vulnerability when their three-point shots aren’t falling. Leonard’s scoring output wasn’t enough to overcome the Rockets’ balanced attack and efficient shooting. The team’s inability to find consistent offensive rhythm outside of Leonard’s contributions proved costly.
The Rockets’ defensive strategy, focused on limiting the Clippers’ three-point opportunities and forcing them into more difficult shots, was a key factor in their success. Sengun’s presence in the paint also disrupted the Clippers’ interior offense, contributing to their lower field goal percentage.
The game also showcased the rising potential of young players like Sheppard and Thompson for the Rockets. Their contributions off the bench provided a spark and added depth to the team’s offensive capabilities. The Rockets’ coaching staff will likely look to continue developing these players as they aim to build a sustainable contender in the coming years.
Looking ahead, both teams face challenging schedules. The Rockets will need to maintain their defensive intensity and consistent scoring to continue their winning ways. The Clippers, will need to address their shooting woes and find more consistent offensive contributions from players beyond Leonard to remain competitive in the Western Conference.
The NBA season continues to unfold with a series of closely contested games, highlighting the league’s competitive balance. Tuesday’s matchup between the Rockets and Clippers served as another example of the unpredictable nature of the league and the importance of consistent performance.
Fans can find highlights from the game and other NBA matchups on platforms like ESPN (https://www.espn.com/watch/collections/9160566c-1989-414b-83e6-906d0c9986af/nba-highlights), NBA.com (https://www.nba.com/watch/featured), and FOX Sports (https://www.foxsports.com/nba/highlights). Gametime Highlights also provides daily NBA highlights on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@TheGametimeHighlights).
The Clippers’ loss to the Rockets follows a previous highlight of their battle, as reported by NBC Los Angeles (https://www.nbclosangeles.com/video/nba/nba-highlights-clippers-rockets-feb-10/3845202/).
