HOUSTON — Jabari Smith Jr. delivered an impressive performance, scoring a season-best 28 points, including five three-pointers, leading the Houston Rockets to a commanding 125-104 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers in their NBA Cup opener on Friday evening.
This win marks Houston’s fourth consecutive victory, their highest streak this season, and it comes on the heels of another triumph over the Clippers, which they secured with a score of 111-103 just two nights prior.
The Rockets maintained a significant lead throughout the game, showcasing their dominance, especially with a substantial scoring run in the third quarter that allowed them to conclude the third with a comfortable 19-point advantage.
In addition to Smith’s standout performance, Fred VanVleet contributed 18 points along with 10 assists, while Dillon Brooks added 17 points for Houston.
On the other hand, the Clippers faced their third consecutive defeat after a four-game winning streak. James Harden led the Clippers’ scoring with 21 points, including three three-pointers, tying him with Ray Allen at 2,973 for the second-most career three-pointers made. Stephen Curry currently holds the top spot, entering the matchup with 3,779 three-pointers.
Looking at the performance of the teams, the Clippers appeared sluggish during their two outings in Houston, struggling to replicate their earlier season success. They will need to refocus and find ways to enhance their starting lineup’s efficiency, especially in the absence of Kawhi Leonard, who is still sidelined as he recovers from knee rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, Tari Eason and Amen Thompson once again proved valuable for Houston off the bench, together scoring 29 points, following their robust 18-point performances in the previous game.
A pivotal moment occurred when the Clippers managed to narrow the deficit to 12 points with a 6-2 run around the eight-minute mark of the third quarter. However, Houston responded with a nine-point scoring spree, restoring their lead to 79-58, which was sparked by Brooks’s three-pointer followed by VanVleet assisting Jalen Green for an alley-oop dunk.
Statistically, the Rockets showcased their speed with 20 fast-break points, significantly outpacing the Clippers, who only managed eight in this regard.
Looking ahead, the Rockets are set to face the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night, while the Clippers will be hosting the Utah Jazz the same evening.