Rockets edge Clippers 115-113 in a tense finish that showcases Houston’s grit and depth. Amen Thompson delivered the decisive moment, tipping in Alperen Sengun’s miss with 17.2 seconds remaining to break a 110-110 deadlock. He was fouled by Kris Dunn on the play and calmly converted the and-1, completing a late sequence that included Houston’s third offensive rebound of the possession and their 21st board of the night.
Thompson finished with a near-triple-double, going 8-for-12 from the floor for 20 points, plus nine rebounds and eight assists, underscoring his all-around contribution as the Rockets (16-6) dominated the glass 51-28 and snapped a mini-slide, avoiding back-to-back losses for the first time since October 24.
Los Angeles had two chances to tie in the final moments. Kawhi Leonard was whistled for an offensive foul on one sequence, and Nicolas Batum violated on an inbounds pass on the other, sealing the win for Houston.
Sengun led Houston with 22 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and four steals, while Jabari Smith Jr. added 18 points. Kevin Durant scored 13 of his 16 points in the third period after a shaky start, turning the tide with a quartet of makes after an 0-for-7 begin.
Ivica Zubac matched a season high with 33 points on an efficient 13-for-14 night and added seven rebounds for the Clippers. Kawhi Leonard contributed 24 points in a season-high 41 minutes, and James Harden chipped in 22 against the team he starred for previously.
The Clippers fall to 6-19, their third straight defeat and eighth loss in nine games, while Houston improves to 16-6 and continues a strong run as they head to Denver on Monday. The Clippers will host Memphis on Monday.
And here’s the part many readers miss: even in defeat, the Clippers showed resilience— Leonard and Durant briefly sparked late offense, and Zubac’s shot-making kept them in rhythm when the game looked like it could slip away. Yet the Rockets’ willingness to crash the boards and execute on the crucial possession proved decisive. If you were watching the closing sequence, you saw how a single offensive rebound and a skilled putback can tilt a game that remained tight from tip to final whistle. Do you think this Houston identity—smash-the-glass, multiple threats—gives them a real edge in their playoff push, or will LA’s stars eventually carry the day when it matters most?
