Jabari Smith Jr. had an outstanding game, scoring a season-high of 28 points and hitting five 3-pointers to lead the Houston Rockets to a dominant 125-104 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in their NBA Cup opener. This win marked the Rockets’ season-high fourth consecutive victory and their second consecutive win against the Clippers.
Throughout the game, the Rockets maintained a comfortable lead and pulled away even further in the third quarter with a big run, entering the fourth quarter with a 19-point lead. Fred VanVleet contributed 18 points and 10 assists, while Dillon Brooks added 17 points to support Smith Jr.’s impressive performance. On the other side, James Harden led the Clippers with 21 points, making three 3-pointers to tie Ray Allen for the second-most career 3-pointers.
The Clippers, who lost their third straight game after a four-game winning streak, struggled to find their rhythm in the game. They will need to regroup and improve their production from the starting lineup, especially with the absence of Kawhi Leonard, who is still rehabilitating his right knee and has not played this season.
Houston’s bench players, Tari Eason and Amen Thompson, once again provided a significant contribution with a combined total of 29 points. In the previous game against the Clippers, they had scored 18 points each, showcasing their consistency and impact off the bench.
Despite a brief attempt by the Clippers to narrow the gap in the third quarter, the Rockets responded with a 9-0 run to extend their lead to 21 points. Their ability to capitalize on fast-break opportunities, finishing with 20 points compared to the Clippers’ 8, played a crucial role in securing the victory.
Looking ahead, the Rockets will face the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night, while the Clippers will host the Utah Jazz on the same night. It will be interesting to see how both teams bounce back from this game and adjust their strategies moving forward. The Rockets will aim to build on their momentum, while the Clippers will look to address their recent struggles and get back on track in the upcoming games.
