HOUSTON — In an exciting matchup on Wednesday night, Jalen Green led the Houston Rockets to a 111-103 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, scoring 21 points, while both Amen Thompson and Tari Eason contributed 18 points each. This victory marked the beginning of a two-game series between the two teams.

Initially, the Rockets found themselves down by 11 points but managed to turn the game around, entering halftime with a five-point lead. An impressive run at the end of the third quarter and into the fourth allowed the Rockets to extend their advantage to 19 points.

As the game approached its conclusion, the Clippers mounted a late challenge with a 9-2 run, narrowing the gap to just four points with roughly 90 seconds left. However, Alperen Sengun played a crucial role in defending the lead with a decisive dunk paired with a remarkable block, securing the victory for Houston and marking their third consecutive win.

James Harden was the standout for the Clippers, scoring 19 points despite the loss, as this game marked their second defeat after a four-game winning streak. Harden began strong, making 3 of 4 three-point attempts in the first quarter but fell short afterward, missing all four of his subsequent attempts. He is now just three three-pointers shy of tying Ray Allen for second place on the all-time NBA list, trailing only Stephen Curry.

From the Clippers’ perspective, defensive struggles have plagued the team in their recent games. The absence of Kawhi Leonard, who is still recovering from knee surgery and did not join this road trip, has certainly been felt, and his return would provide a much-needed lift.

The Rockets have been able to rely on the contributions from Eason and Thompson, with Eason scoring in double-figures for five consecutive games and Thompson glowing in three of his last four outings off the bench.

A key moment in the contest came late in the third quarter when Houston, leading by two, unleashed a potent 19-2 run, elevating the score to 98-79 with approximately 10 minutes remaining. During this run, Eason was instrumental, scoring eight points.

Statistically, the Rockets dominated the offensive boards, securing 18 offensive rebounds compared to the Clippers’ 10, which translated into a substantial 19-6 advantage in second-chance points.

The two teams are set to face off again in Houston on Friday night for the second leg of this matchup.