In an exciting NBA matchup, the Houston Rockets secured a victory against the Los Angeles Clippers, driven by strong performances from their key players. Kevin Durant recorded 26 points to lead the Rockets in their win.
Rockets’ Strong Fourth Quarter Performance
The Rockets began the fourth quarter with a six-point advantage. They quickly increased their lead by scoring the first seven points, pushing the score to 85-72 with just over ten minutes remaining. After Kawhi Leonard sank two free throws for the Clippers, Houston responded with four consecutive points.
Key Plays from the Game
- Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 24 points.
- Durant’s critical steal from Brook Lopez led to a 3-pointer by Reed Sheppard, extending Houston’s lead to 92-77.
- The Rockets maintained a 15-point lead with under a minute remaining in the game.
Houston’s Jabari Smith Jr. contributed significantly as well, finishing with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Amen Thompson returned to action, adding 16 points after missing a previous game due to illness.
Comparative Stats and Previous Meetings
In their last encounter in December, the Clippers showcased their shooting prowess with 20 three-pointers in a commanding 128-108 win. This time, however, they struggled from beyond the arc, completing only 8 of 30 attempts.
| Player | Points | Rebounds |
|---|---|---|
| Kawhi Leonard | 24 | – |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | 13 | 11 |
| Amen Thompson | 16 | – |
| Bennedict Mathurin | 9 | 7 |
As a noteworthy event, Bennedict Mathurin made his Rockets debut with nine points and seven rebounds following a trade from Indiana last week. Darius Garland, recently acquired in the James Harden trade to Cleveland, was not available due to a toe injury.
Upcoming Matches
The Rockets and Clippers will meet again Wednesday night in Houston for their final game before the All-Star break. Fans can expect another competitive showdown as both teams look to build momentum.
