The Houston Rockets powered through a second-half surge to secure a 111-103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night, kicking off a two-game set with a statement victory.
Jalen Green led the way with 21 points, while Amen Thompson and Tari Eason each added 18 points, helping the Rockets extend their win streak to three games.
Houston found itself trailing by as many as 11 points early, but a resilient effort saw them claw back to take a five-point lead by halftime. The game shifted in a dramatic sequence late in the third quarter and into the fourth, when the Rockets went on a massive 19-2 run to push their lead to a commanding 19 points. While the Clippers managed to trim the deficit to four with a 9-2 run in the final 90 seconds, a dunk from Alperen Sengun and a game-sealing block on the defensive end put the game out of reach, securing the win for Houston.
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Green’s scoring was key throughout the game, but it was the depth of Houston’s roster that helped them pull away. Eason and Thompson, both of whom have been vital off the bench this season, continued their strong play, providing a boost that the Clippers couldn’t counter. Eason’s eight points during the pivotal 19-2 run exemplified his rising confidence, while Thompson’s versatility has been a key asset in the Rockets’ recent stretch of solid play.
The Clippers, on the other hand, were again without superstar forward Kawhi Leonard, who is still rehabilitating his right knee. While James Harden led the Clippers with 19 points, his shooting was inconsistent, as he started strong with three 3-pointers in the first quarter but missed all four of his attempts from beyond the arc in the second half. Harden’s scoring, though significant, wasn’t enough to keep the Clippers in the game as their defense struggled once again. After a four-game win streak, this loss marks the second straight defeat for Los Angeles.
Despite Harden’s efforts, the Clippers’ defense was once again a major issue, particularly in the second half. With Leonard absent, the team has struggled to stop opponents, and the Rockets capitalized on those defensive lapses. Houston’s hustle on the boards was another difference-maker, as they grabbed 18 offensive rebounds compared to just 10 for the Clippers. That helped them dominate second-chance points by a 19-6 margin, underscoring the Rockets’ superior effort on the glass.
The key stretch of the game came late in the third quarter, when the Rockets, holding a slim two-point lead, exploded for a 19-2 run that pushed them ahead 98-79 with about 10 minutes remaining in the game. Eason was instrumental during that stretch, providing a much-needed scoring burst. His eight points during that pivotal run were a reminder of how well Houston’s bench has been performing in recent games.
While the Clippers continue to wait for the return of Leonard, who is sorely missed on both ends of the floor, the Rockets’ young core is showing signs of real promise. Eason and Thompson, in particular, have been giving Houston a significant lift off the bench, with Eason scoring in double figures in five straight games and Thompson in three of the last four. The depth and energy provided by these two players have been essential in Houston’s recent success.
Looking ahead, both teams will have a chance to adjust and try again when they meet again on Friday night in Houston. The Rockets will be eager to extend their win streak, while the Clippers will look to bounce back and get back on track. The absence of Leonard continues to be a storyline for Los Angeles, and how the team adjusts without him will be crucial in the coming games.
Houston’s victory is a promising sign of their growth as a team. Their resilience in overcoming an early deficit, coupled with their ability to dominate on the glass and get key contributions from young players, highlights the progress they’ve made. As the Rockets continue to build around their core, their ability to capitalize on these moments will be key to their development this season.
