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The LA Clippers looked to stay unbeaten and win the season series against the Houston Rockets when they met again on Wednesday. LA, which won 106-100 on Nov. 17, was scheduled to meet Houston just thrice this season. A victory would prevent the Rockets from overcoming a 2-0 deficit.
The Rockets, though, have been playing well over the past two games and will make it tough for the Clippers. Houston just beat the Phoenix Suns on Saturday and then demolished the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. They will be hoping to extend that winning streak against LA.
Houston grabbed a 27-19 lead after the first 12 minutes of the game behind a balanced attack led by Alperen Sengun. The big man already had six points, eight rebounds and three assists after the first quarter.
James Harden towed the Clippers to within striking distance with eight points. LA's starters combined for just six points, with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George totaling 2-for-6 field goal attempts.
Sengun continued his all-around play into the second quarter. After 24 minutes, he already had nine points, 13 rebounds and six assists. The Houston Rockets bench came alive to support him. Cam Whitmore, Aaron Holiday and Amen Thompson combined for 22 points to push the home team to a 57-44 halftime lead.
Kawhi Leonard also made his presence felt on both ends of the floor. The LA Clippers starters fairly played well, but the bench was overwhelmed by Houston's second stringers.
The LA Clippers put together a strong showing in the third quarter, outscoring the Houston Rockets 36-29. Paul George finally started to him, putting up 12 points. LA continues to misfire from deep but its defense has been much better than the previous two quarters.
Houston's bench fizzled starting the second half. Cam Whitmore couldn't score a single point while the others missed a few wide-open shots. The Rockets allowed the Clippers to crawl to within 86-80 heading into the final period.
Kawhi Leonard took over for the LA Clippers midway through the fourth quarter. He reminded the young Houston Rockets why he was a two-time NBA Finals MVP. "The Claw" strung together several plays that pushed the Clippers to the lead. When he wasn't scoring, he was dishing out to teammates.
Rockets coach Ime Udoka desperately employed the "Hack-a-Plumlee" strategy to keep the ball away from Leonard when. Plumlee hit a couple of free throws to nullify Houston's move. The Clippers' poise and clutch plays dragged them to a 122-116 win over the Rockets.
LA Clippers vs Houston Rockets game player stats and box scores
LA Clippers game player stats
Houston Rockets game player stats
Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden 3-pointers tonight
LA's trio of superstars struggled with their 3-pointers in the first half against Houston. Kawhi Leonard was 0-for-2 while Paul George went 0-for-3. James Harden hit one of his three 3-point attempts. The Clippers need them to be more accurate to try and rally for a win.
Out of the three, it was George who improved by a little in the second half. "Playoff P" ended the game hitting 4-for-9 3-pointers tonight. Leonard and Harden combined to finish 2-for-9.
