Kawhi Leonard beats the Rockets in the final seconds

Beaten the day before by these same Rockets, The Clippers won this 2nd round of back-to-back games thanks to the inevitable Kawhi Leonard’s game-winning basket with 2 seconds left.

In front of a rare audience, Houston started the game perfectly. After struggling in the first half the day before against the Clippers, the Rockets showed a completely different face from the start this time. The ball circulates well, shots are chosen with discipline, and the team dominates on the rebound. In contrast, Kawhi Leonard was taken aback and the Rockets lead by seven points after 12 minutes and 10 at the break (56-46).

Thanks to this dynamic, Houston will take up to 15 points in advance, and at the end of the third quarter they still lead by 13 units. But the first turning point came when the Clippers went on a 12-0 run to get back within 76-75 with eleven minutes left. Not exactly stunned, the Rockets responded and regained their five-point lead, but the Clippers went on another 12-0 run, including nine by Leonard, to go ahead 87-80 with eight minutes left. Limited to 8 points after three quarters, Leonard took over the game.

L’Instant Cavhi

The crossing then intensified. Houston responded with a 13-4 run, led by seven points from Kevin Durant, to regain a 93-91 lead with 4:30 left. The Clippers then fouled out and made five straight free throws to take a 98-95 lead. Durant tied it with a game-winning layup in the corner, but Leonard put his team back in front at the line before John Collins nailed a dunk to make it 102-98 with about 1 minute 30 minutes left.

In the last seconds, the uncertainty increased further. Trailing by four points, the Rockets saw Durant hit a free throw and then Alperen Sengun cut the deficit to 102-101 with 43 seconds left. After a missed shot by Leonard, Jabari Smith Jr. grabbed the ball, giving Houston another chance, and then Sengun tied the game at the free throw line with 7 seconds left (102-102).

But Leonard had the last laugh. After a timeout, he scored while being fouled. He converted a free throw with two seconds on the clock to give the Clippers a three-point lead (105-102). Tarry Eason’s last-ditch effort to equalize missed the mark.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Lost bullets. Despite a controlled first half, Houston racked up 21 turnovers, including six in the fourth quarter to give the Clippers 23 points. The Californians also dominated in transition (22 points to just 2 for Houston), a striking contrast while the Rockets didn’t score a single point on the counterattack in the first three quarters.

Kavhi series. Author of 27 points, including 19 in the final quarter, Kawhi Leonard extends his good streak of games of 20 points or more. This is his 33rd straight game and his ability to take control of a game in the 4th quarter is impressive.

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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.