In a flash, the Rockets push the Clippers a little further

A proper opposition of styles, but above all balanced, in the first half. If it is Rockets sign a better start, highlighting their efficiency in the fast game, their interior dominance and presence on the offensive rebound, Clippers rely on their external address to keep their distance, then keep back. Until Ivica Zubac showed his muscles against Alperen Sengun, just to balance the debates and put the Californians ahead (54-51).

The second period was as balanced as ever, except for the +8 from Houston that was quickly erased by Los Angeles at the beginning of the fourth quarter, and this leaves us with a “money time” filled with uncertainty. And during which the energy and freshness of the Texans secured the victory in the end.

Despite XXSL Ivica Zupac inside, Amen Thompson and especially Alperen Sengun took matters into their own hands, between offensive rebounds and baskets at the rim, while the finish was interrupted by various “challenges”.

In the end, the Rockets came out behind (115-113). Alperen Sengun (22 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals), Amen Thompson (20 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists) and four other players with at least 10 points. Again at the same time after Saturday’s loss, in the Texas derby against the Mavericks.

in front, Ivica Zubac (33 points, 7 rebounds), Kawhi Leonard (24 points, 9 rebounds, 5 steals) i James Harden (22 points, 7 assists, 3 steals) failed to avoid their eighth loss in nine games for the Clippers, now closer to last place in the Top 10 West.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

– The Thompson/Sengun duo makes Ivica Zubac bend. If Ivica Zubac was great – very great, even – at punishing the Rockets’ interior defense, unable to contain him physically, the Clippers fell to the excellent Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson. Under pressure, Kevin Durant stepped back and let his young teammates do the work. Thompson was already the one who energized the entire team early in the fourth quarter with his infectious energy, and he was the one who fueled the Texas pack at the end. Before Sengun sets up small shots in isolation, and off balance, to answer Zubac.

– Last minute turnaround. Between Jabari Smith Jr.’s offensive foul (but not flagrant) on Kris Dunn (who sold it well), Kawhi Leonard’s offensive foul on Aaron Holiday (who also sold well) or the loss of the ball before the layup by Nicolas Batum, the final moments of this Rockets/Clippers matchup were tense. Before that, James Harden also tied the game at 3 points, before Amen Thompson scored an offensive rebound and “and-one”, to return this definitive advantage to Houston.

– Los Angeles messed up, Houston was strong. The Clippers had two possessions to tie and go to overtime, except Kawhi Leonard and Nicolas Batum made avoidable mistakes. As for the Rockets, saved by their hustle plays all night, but in much greater trouble when the game slowed down, they especially knew how to do violence under the boards (51 rebounds to 28, including 22 offensive!). Even if Ivica Zubac was an insoluble puzzle for his defenders, with his good hands near the circle.

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=oSVL_hSk0hI

How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Difference of points when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.