Jalen Green’s stellar 31-point performance propelled the Houston Rockets (16-8) to a 117-106 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers (14-11) on Sunday night. Green also contributed four rebounds and one assist, leading his team in a dominant win after a two-game losing streak.
The Rockets were without their starting point guard Fred VanVleet, who missed his first game of the season due to a right knee contusion. Despite this setback, Houston thrived, with multiple players stepping up to the plate.
Green was joined by Amen Thompson, who added 22 points and helped control the game. Thompson shot 9-for-14 from the field, also contributing three rebounds and four assists. The pair were instrumental in the Rockets’ offensive efforts throughout the game.
The Clippers struggled with injuries, including missing James Harden (sore right groin) and losing Amir Coffey to a right shoulder contusion during warmups. Derrick Jones Jr. also departed early due to a right hamstring injury.
Ivica Zubac led Los Angeles with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Bones Hyland came off the bench to contribute 22 points, including five 3-pointers. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome the Rockets, who out-rebounded the Clippers 50-33.
In addition to Green and Thompson, Houston received strong performances from Dillon Brooks, who added 19 points, and Jabari Smith Jr., who posted a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Alperen Sengun also had a solid showing with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.
The Clippers’ bench outscored the Rockets’ reserves 38-21, but their shooting struggles were evident. Los Angeles shot just 44.6% from the field and struggled from beyond the arc, making only 32.4% of their three-point attempts.
