Englewood, California — Despite what Bill Parcells once suggested, he believes the LA Clippers are performing better than their record indicates. On Tuesday night, for the second consecutive game, the Clippers showed why, especially with Kawhi Leonard returning to good health.
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue noted that the key to their recent wins has been the team’s commitment. “Kawhi is getting healthy, James Harden is healthy, so we’re staying the course,” said Lue. “It’s been a tough season with injuries and close losses, but the guys deserve credit for sticking with it.”
Leonard led the way with 41 points, while Harden contributed 29, helping the Clippers secure a 128-108 victory over the Rockets. This marks the Clippers’ first back-to-back wins since early October. The Rockets, by contrast, are struggling, having lost five of their last seven games and ranking 27th in defense during that stretch. Their sloppy mistakes and poor three-point shooting (9-of-30) were especially concerning for a young team hoping to improve.
With only 48 hours before a critical Christmas Day game against the Lakers, the Rockets face an uphill battle. Meanwhile, the Clippers’ defense stood out as the best it has been all season. Lue remarked on their defensive focus after a shaky first quarter, praising the team’s ball movement and decision-making.
John Collins, who scored 13 points, emphasized the importance of communication and playing hard, explaining that the team feels motivated to turn their season around.
The game itself began as an exciting contest between seasoned players: Kevin Durant scored 17 points, and Leonard added 18 by halftime. The Clippers led 63-58 thanks to better three-point shooting and increased bench contributions from Nicolas Batum and Kobe Sanders.
In the third quarter, the Clippers dominated with a strong defensive effort and a 13-2 run, expanding their lead to 16 points by the start of the fourth quarter. The Rockets were unable to respond in the final period.
The Rockets have tough questions ahead before their Christmas showdown. Armen Thompson acknowledged the team’s defensive struggles, taking personal responsibility and urging better preparation.
Durant led Houston with 22 points, while Alperen Sengun and Thompson each added 19. For the Clippers, recent progress signals hope. Lue recently challenged the team to win enough games to finish 35-20 and have a .500 record by season’s end—a goal that seems achievable if Leonard remains healthy.
“This will require all of us, starting with Leonard and Harden,” Lue said. “They’ve stepped up the last few games. We’re taking it day by day and aiming to improve continuously.”
Fan Take: This news is exciting for basketball fans because it highlights the Clippers’ potential resurgence as a powerhouse team when their stars are healthy. If they can maintain this momentum, it could intensify the competitive landscape of the league and push other teams to elevate their game.
