The Houston Rockets maintained their solid beginning to the 2024-25 season by defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 111-103 on Wednesday evening. This victory extended Houston’s remarkable streak, bringing their record to 5-1 over the past six games and improving their overall record to 8-4. The Clippers, currently 6-6, experienced an unexpected 4th quarter when head coach Tyronn Lue sat James Harden, which baffled both fans and analysts.
Rockets Shine with Balanced Attack
Houston demonstrated a balanced offensive performance, featuring six players who scored in double digits. Jalen Green topped the team with 21 points, while Alperen Şengün dominated the inside with a near triple-double, totaling 13 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks. Strong showings from Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and Fred VanVleet enabled the Rockets to gain ground, despite the Clippers mounting a late comeback.
Harden Benched in Crunch Time
Harden, a previous Rockets star and franchise record-holder, began robustly against his former team, netting 12 points in just the first quarter. He moved nearer to surpassing Ray Allen on the all-time three-pointers list, but his initial shooting spree slowed down, and he had difficulty regaining his rhythm for the remainder of the game. Even with his experience and reputation, Harden remained on the bench throughout the entire fourth quarter, a choice by Coach Lue that drew scrutiny. Lue also sidelined Norman Powell for the last eight minutes, possibly to maintain the momentum the Clippers had developed.
Rockets Hold On Despite Clippers’ Comeback
The Clippers reduced a 19-point gap to only four points in the closing minutes, but Houston’s strong defense and cooperation secured the victory. The two teams face off once more on Friday, providing Harden a chance to surpass his old team and improve his shooting display. For now, however, Houston’s balanced approach and defensive resilience keep them moving up in the Western Conference.
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