Kawhi Leonard delivered a standout performance, scoring a season-high 41 points, to propel the Los Angeles Clippers to a commanding 128-108 victory over the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The win marked a significant rebound for the Clippers, while the Rockets faced their fourth loss in five games.
Leonard’s prolific scoring was complemented by James Harden, who contributed 29 points, making the duo instrumental in overcoming the Rockets’ defense, which has faced criticism for its recent performances. The Clippers’ 128 points is tied for the third highest the Rockets have allowed this season, underscoring the defensive lapses Houston experienced throughout the game.
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka expressed frustration with his team’s defensive approach, emphasizing that they did not adhere to the game plan and struggled to contain both Leonard and Harden. He acknowledged that the team appeared slow and missed crucial assignments that led to open shots for the Clippers. “Our rotation was behind,” Udoka noted. “We were late on a lot of guys and took too many gambles.”
Houston’s Amen Thompson, tasked with guarding Leonard, took responsibility for the forward’s dominant night, recognizing the impact of his defensive effectiveness on the entire team’s output.
While the Rockets initially held a lead, thanks to a strong first quarter led by Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr., who each scored 11 points early on, their shooting dramatically declined, particularly in the second quarter. They finished the game with a shooting percentage of 50% but relinquished too many opportunities and fouled excessively.
Durant led the Rockets with 22 points and Alperen Şengün nearly recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. However, both players also struggled with ball control, adding to the team’s woes by committing multiple turnovers.
Despite the defeat, Durant maintained a positive outlook, noting that these challenges would help the team grow. “When you’ve got expectations on you, every loss can feel bigger than what it is,” he remarked. “These losses are gonna make us better. They’re gonna help us grow character.”
The Clippers’ performance highlighted the need for the Rockets to reassess their defensive strategies and focus on consistency as they navigate their ongoing road trip and seek to regain their footing in the season. As the Clippers continue to build momentum, the Rockets will have to rally quickly if they hope to turn things around.