Jalen Green delivered a commanding performance Sunday night, scoring 31 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 117-106 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Green’s explosive night was supported by Amen Thompson, who added 22 points, as the Rockets snapped a two-game skid despite playing without Fred VanVleet, sidelined with a right knee contusion.
The Rockets relied on a balanced offensive attack, with six players scoring in double figures. Jabari Smith Jr. contributed a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Alperen Sengun chipped in 11 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. This team effort overwhelmed a Clippers squad that struggled to keep pace after the opening quarter.
The Clippers were led by Bones Hyland, who came off the bench to score 22 points, including five three-pointers. Ivica Zubac anchored the interior with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Kevin Porter Jr., starting for the first time in his Clippers tenure, added 19 points. Despite their contributions, Los Angeles couldn’t overcome Houston’s second-quarter surge and relentless energy.
A critical stretch came late in the second quarter, with the Rockets ripping off 12 consecutive points to close the half. Seven of those came from Green, who seemed unstoppable in transition and on drives to the basket. Houston entered the break leading 64-52 and kept the Clippers in catch-up mode for the remainder of the game.
Houston’s offensive efficiency played a key role in the victory. The Rockets shot 49% from the field and converted 22 of 26 free-throw attempts, capitalizing on their opportunities at the line. Green’s dynamic scoring, paired with Thompson’s aggressiveness, ensured the Rockets maintained control through the second half.
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For the Clippers, the loss marked their second straight at home, following a 28-point blowout against Minnesota earlier in the week. Injuries compounded their struggles, as Derrick Jones Jr. exited after the first quarter with hamstring soreness, and Amir Coffey was ruled out pregame with a right shoulder contusion. Already without James Harden due to a sore right groin, the Clippers were shorthanded and relied heavily on their bench, which outscored Houston’s reserves 38-21.
Even with their depth stepping up, the Clippers were outclassed on the boards, losing the rebounding battle 50-33. Zubac’s strong interior play couldn’t offset Houston’s collective rebounding effort, led by Smith Jr. and Sengun.
Rockets’ Potential
The Rockets showcased their potential with a cohesive team performance, demonstrating how dangerous they can be when firing on all cylinders. Thompson’s 22-point outing highlighted his continued development, while Smith Jr. and Sengun provided crucial support on both ends of the court.
For Houston, the win sets the stage for a pivotal NBA Cup West quarterfinal matchup against Golden State on Wednesday. The Rockets will look to carry the momentum from Sunday’s victory into that high-stakes game, with Green continuing to emerge as a reliable offensive leader.
The Clippers, meanwhile, face an uphill battle as they prepare to visit Denver on Friday. With key players sidelined and a two-game losing streak, Los Angeles must regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind in the Western Conference standings.
This contest served as a reminder of Houston’s upside and the challenges facing the Clippers as they work through injuries and chemistry issues. If the Rockets can build on this performance, they may solidify their place as a competitive force in the West.
