James Harden’s clutch 3-pointer and a four-point play with six seconds left secured the Los Angeles Clippers’ (4-7) first win since his arrival, ending a six-game losing streak with a 106-100 triumph over the Houston Rockets (6-4) in a pivotal NBA In-Season Tournament matchup.
Harden’s vintage performance, including a season-high 24 points and nine rebounds, proved instrumental against his former team, where he played for nine seasons from 2012-2021.
Kawhi Leonard contributed 26 points, and Paul George added 23 points and eight rebounds, guiding the Clippers to victory and avoiding their longest losing streak since 2019.
Russell Westbrook, coming off the bench at his suggestion, provided a valuable spark with eight points in just 17 minutes, as the Clippers adjusted their rotation in search of balance.
The Rockets, entering the game with a six-game winning streak, succumbed to the Clippers’ late surge, allowing a 12-1 run that tilted the momentum in favor of the home team.
Alperen Sengun’s 23 points and eight rebounds, along with Jalen Green’s 20 points, weren’t enough to maintain the Rockets’ winning streak, as they fell to 1-1 in tournament play.
The Clippers, now 1-2 in tournament games, showcased resilience in a tightly contested matchup, with neither team holding a substantial lead throughout.
As the Clippers navigate challenges, including the absence of Mason Plumlee due to a knee injury, the addition of Daniel Theis, who contributed two points and three rebounds in his debut, adds depth to their frontcourt.
