Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Ben DuBose

Takeaways: James Harden sinks Houston’s win streak with late dagger for Clippers

James Harden Houston (Organization) Rockets Clippers Alperen Sengun Jabari Smith Jr Kawhi Leonard Tari Eason Jabari Smith Jalen Green

In the opener of a three-game road trip and their second game of the NBA’s new in-season tournament, the Houston Rockets (6-4, 1-1 in West Group B) had their six-game winning streak snapped courtesy of Friday’s 106-100 loss (box score) to the host Clippers. With the victory, Los Angeles (4-7, 1-2) ended a six-game losing streak.

James Harden, formerly a franchise icon with the Rockets, connected on a tiebreaking 4-point play with only 6.0 seconds left to play. Harden led the way for the Clippers with 24 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists, shooting 8-of-11 from the field (72.7%), 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50.0%), and 6-of-7 on free throws (85.7%) versus the Rockets.

Houston’s standout players included:

  • Alperen Sengun: 23 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 turnovers; 8-of-18 shooting (44.4%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40.0%), 5-of-7 free throws (71.4%)
  • Jalen Green: 20 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds; 5-of-16 shooting (31.3%), 1-of-6 on 3-pointers (16.7%), 9-of-10 free throws (90.0%)
  • Fred VanVleet: 19 points, 10 assists, 8 rebounds; 7-of-14 shooting (50.0%), 5-of-9 on 3-pointers (55.6%)
  • Tari Eason: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks in 20 minutes; 6-of-9 shooting (66.7%)

Kawhi Leonard finished with a game-high 26 points and 5 steals for Los Angeles, shooting 8-of-16 overall and 3-of-6 on 3-pointers (50.0%). Paul George added 23 points for the Clippers with four 3-pointers, though Houston limited him to 8-of-22 shooting (36.4%).

Here’s our look at highlights and postgame interviews from late Friday, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for Houston is Sunday’s matchup versus the Lakers, also at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. Central.

Nov. 17 Rockets-Clippers reaction

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
FDA restricts psychoactive mushroom used in some edibles
The regulator warned food manufacturers that Amanita muscaria –  more commonly known as the fly agaric – and the compounds it contains are not authorized to use
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
“I go to church every Sunday when I’m home. Especially now I’ve replaced the booze with glue”: From GN’R and Pantera to Ozzy Osbourne and God, Zakk Wylde is the most connected man in rock
It’s Zakk Wylde’s world - we just live in it
Metal Hammer
Metal Hammer
My husband and I tried the Scandi Sleep Method and love it — 3 reasons you will too
We avoided a sleep divorce thanks to the Scandinavian Sleep Method, but will it work for you too? Three telltale signs that it will...
Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
45 Years Ago, A Disney Misstep Was A Secret Sci-Fi Masterpiece
The haters were wrong. On its 45th birthday, 'The Black Hole' is just as wonderfully manic as ever. Here's why this flop is actually worth your time.
Inverse
Inverse
Black long COVID patients ignored
New research found that those living with long COVID in the U.S. had significantly more anxiety and depression
Salon
Salon
Jared Leto’s latest ‘iconic’ role leaves fans divided
‘Skeletor was going to make or break this movie,’ said one fan
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.
Download on the AppStore Get it on Google Play