Rockets Rally in Fourth Quarter to Edge Clippers 115-113

The Houston Rockets mounted a decisive fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the visiting Los Angeles Clippers 115-113 on Thursday. Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson led the charge, playing pivotal roles down the stretch to secure the win.

Sengun delivered an impressive all-around performance with 22 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and four steals. He sank two crucial post baskets in the final moments to help close out the game. Thompson nearly recorded a triple-double, posting 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, including a key three-point play with just 17.2 seconds remaining that broke a 110-110 deadlock.

Coming into the fourth quarter trailing 82-80, Thompson accounted for 12 points, four rebounds, and three assists as the Rockets reversed their deficit. Despite a chaotic ending marked by fouls and missed free throws, Houston managed to secure their sixth win in eight outings.

Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds but was called for an offensive foul immediately after Thompson’s go-ahead three-point play. Clippers’ center Ivica Zubac converted only one of two free throws afterward. Other critical moments included Kawhi Leonard's offensive foul late in the closing seconds. Following this, Aaron Holiday made one of two free throws, and after another turnover by Los Angeles, Sengun added a free throw with 6.5 seconds to go, sealing the victory.

Leonard was electric on both ends of the floor, finishing with 24 points, nine rebounds, and five steals. Zubac was dominant inside, pouring in 33 points on an efficient 13-of-14 shooting clip, along with seven rebounds. James Harden helped keep the Rockets in contention by nailing a three-pointer with 37.1 seconds remaining to tie the game at 110.

The Clippers’ bench provided solid support, with Holiday and Reed Sheppard combining for 23 points on 50% shooting from beyond the arc. However, Houston’s rebounding advantage, outrebounding Los Angeles 51-28 and forcing a plus-15 difference in shot attempts, ultimately proved decisive.

Early mistakes by the Clippers handed Houston a quick lead, but Los Angeles responded with timely contributions from Leonard, who hit consecutive three-pointers, and Harden, who converted a three-point play to bring his team back within one point with just over seven minutes left in the game.

The teams exchanged runs throughout the first half. The Clippers led 29-29 after the first quarter, but Houston surged ahead with a 9-0 run early in the second. Los Angeles managed to regain momentum with a 10-2 spurt and took a 54-51 lead at halftime, powered by Zubac's dunks, layups, and free throws. His layup with just over a minute remaining in the half marked the Clippers’ first lead of the contest.

This hard-fought victory extends Houston’s recent strong form while marking the Clippers’ eighth loss in their last nine games.