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Jalen Green’s 31 Points Propel Rockets to Win Over Clippers

Jalen Green Shines as Rockets Defeat Clippers 117-106

December 9Jalen Green scored a game-high 31 points and Amen Thompson added 22 to lead the visiting Houston Rockets to a 117-106 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday in Inglewood, Calif. The Rockets rebounded from consecutive losses to secure their first road win on their California trip.

Strong Team Effort by the Rockets

  • Dillon Brooks: 19 points.
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 13 points, 12 rebounds (double-double).
  • Alperen Sengun: 11 points, 10 rebounds (double-double).
  • Aaron Holiday: 11 points.

Despite missing key players Fred VanVleet (right knee contusion) and Tari Eason (concussion protocol), Houston’s depth and balanced scoring were enough to secure the win.

Clippers Fall Short Without Key Stars

The Clippers were led by Ivica Zubac with 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Norman Powell chipped in 17 points. However, Los Angeles struggled without James Harden (right groin soreness), Kawhi Leonard (knee, out all season), and Terance Mann (fractured finger).

Kevin Porter Jr., returning from a three-game absence due to an ankle injury, contributed 19 points in a losing effort.

Rockets Dominate Early

Houston started strong, leading 30-28 after the first quarter behind Green’s 11 points. The Rockets took control in the second quarter, outscoring the Clippers to build a 64-52 halftime lead. Green poured in 18 points in the first half, with Brooks adding 14 before the break.

In the second half, the Rockets extended their lead to 16 points in the third quarter and maintained a comfortable advantage, entering the fourth quarter up 95-83. The Clippers never mounted a serious challenge in the final period.

Key Stats

  • Houston shot 48.8% from the floor, while the Clippers managed 44.6%.
  • The Rockets dominated the boards, winning the rebounding battle 50-33.
  • Houston improved to 3-0 against the Clippers this season, with two prior wins at home in November.

The victory moves the Rockets to 3-2 on the season series against California teams, providing momentum as they look to build on this performance in future matchups.