The Houston Rockets tightened their grip on third place in the Western Conference on Monday night, riding a balanced attack and a sharp fourth quarter to a 102-95 win over the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center.
Houston improved to 33-19 by doing what contenders do: defend, share the load and close with authority.
Kevin Durant led with 26 points and six rebounds, hitting three from deep and going a flawless 7 for 7 at the free-throw line.
His 8-of-22 shooting night was not about volume but timing. When the Clippers threatened, Durant slowed the game, found his spots and delivered steady offense.
Alperen Şengün once again served as the engine. The Turkish big man scored 22 points on 9-of-14 shooting, adding seven rebounds and five assists in a polished all-around display. He punished switches in the post, faced up confidently from midrange and drew help that freed shooters on the perimeter. His decision making kept Houston’s offense fluid.
Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard each added 16 points, combining energy with composure. Thompson’s transition dunk early in the fourth quarter stretched the lead to 83-72 and sparked a decisive run. Jabari Smith Jr. chipped in 13 points and 11 rebounds, controlling the glass and spacing the floor to keep driving lanes open.
The game was tight through three quarters, with neither side able to break it open. Kawhi Leonard kept Los Angeles afloat with 24 points and eight rebounds, though he shot 7 of 19 under steady defensive pressure. John Collins added 17, but the Clippers struggled to find consistent secondary scoring and rhythm in the half court.
Houston seized control to start the fourth. Defensive stops turned into clean offensive possessions, and the Rockets’ discipline limited second chances and forced contested attempts late. The Clippers never fully recovered from the early surge.
