Houston Rockets secure thrilling comeback over Clippers
The Houston Rockets entered their matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers with the urgency of a team eager to rectify a recent setback. Having not played since a disappointing loss to the Dallas Mavericks on February 6, the Rockets were looking to capture a much-needed victory before embarking on a grueling stretch of six consecutive road games. Their homecoming wouldn’t come until January 27 against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Conversely, the Clippers, struggling with a mere six wins against 18 losses, have found themselves labeled as one of the league’s most disappointing teams this season. Battling injuries, off-court issues, and inconsistent performances from key players, they faced the Rockets looking to turn their fortunes around. Ahead of the game, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka addressed the media, sharing insights about the team’s preparation and the health of Alperen Sengun, who was nearing full strength after recently battling the flu. Udoka expressed optimism about the benefits of the extended break leading up to the matchup.
Fast Start and Mid-Game Struggles
The Rockets burst out of the gate, showcasing their intent by capitalizing on turnovers and pushing the pace in transition. Their aggressive play forced the Clippers into an early timeout, as Houston jumped to a quick 9-2 lead. However, the Clippers steadied themselves and clawed back, ultimately leading to a closely contested first quarter that ended in a 29-29 stalemate.
The second quarter saw a dip in the Rockets’ offensive efficiency. After initially igniting with a 9-0 run, they struggled to maintain that momentum, finishing the half with a dismal 5-for-19 shooting from beyond the arc. This inconsistency allowed the Clippers to take a slim three-point advantage into halftime, leading 54-51.
Fourth Quarter Surge
The third quarter mirrored the second, with both teams exchanging baskets but the Clippers managing to maintain a slight edge. As the quarter concluded, the score stood at 82-80 in favor of Los Angeles, setting the stage for a tense final period.
In the fourth quarter, the Rockets finally found their rhythm. They executed crucial plays down the stretch, demonstrating resilience and teamwork, which culminated in a thrilling 115-113 victory—marking their 16th win of the season.
Key Performers Shine
The Rockets’ success was propelled by standout performances from Sengun, Jabari Smith, and Amen Thompson. Both Sengun and Smith recorded double-doubles, while Thompson narrowly missed out on a triple-double, finishing just one rebound and two assists shy.
In the post-game press conference, Udoka highlighted the team’s collective effort in securing the hard-fought win. Sengun echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the significant contributions from the entire roster, including the bench players. When asked about his on-court chemistry with Thompson, Sengun emphasized their strong communication, stating, “I always know where he is. We communicate a lot too during the game.”
As the Rockets celebrate this hard-earned victory, they look ahead to their challenging road schedule, eager to build on this momentum.
