CLIPPERS DEFEAT ROCKETS
Rockets reserve unit can't keep up with Harden and company
Apr 10, 2025, 7:04 pm
The Clippers beat the Rockets, 134-117. Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.
James Harden had 35 points and 10 assists and the streaking Los Angeles Clippers beat the playoff-bound Houston Rockets 134-117 on Wednesday night for their sixth straight win.
The Rockets had already locked up the No. 2 seed in the West and will be making their first playoff appearance since the 2020 bubble in Florida. They rested most of their starting lineup, including Dillon Brooks and Alperen Sengun.
Ivica Zubac had 20 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for the Clippers, his first career triple-double and the third by a center for the team. Kawhi Leonard returned with 22 points and 10 rebounds after sitting out Tuesday to rest his surgically repaired right knee. Nicolas Batum added 15 points, including the Clippers' first 12 of the second quarter, before leaving with a sore right groin.
Reed Sheppard led six Rockets in double figures with 20 points.
Takeaways
Rockets: Jalen Green is on track to start all 82 games, which would make him the ninth Rockets player to do so in multiple seasons and first since Luis Scola in 2008-09 and 2009-10.
Clippers: Finished the regular season with a 30-11 mark in the new Intuit Dome.
Key stat
The Clippers made all 19 of their free throws, with Harden going 10 for 10.
Key moment
The Clippers outscored the Rockets 35-23 in the second when Zubac keyed a 12-0 run with six points and Leonard added four.
Up next
Both teams play Friday night. The Rockets stay in Los Angeles to face the Lakers and the Clippers visit Sacramento.
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Astros deliver perfect answer to Thursday night’s gut punch
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As the Houston Texans gear up for the 2025 season, all eyes are on OTAs, where key storylines and position battles are already taking shape. One of the most intriguing developments is unfolding along the offensive line. Coaches are clearly keeping their options open, and the answers may not be as obvious as they seem.
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From offensive line shakeups to rising defensive expectations, there’s no shortage of drama or development in Houston. With the 2025 season approaching, these OTAs are offering a crucial glimpse into what this team might become.
Be sure to watch the video below as ESPN Houston's Jeremy Branham and Joel Blank share their thoughts on the early developments at OTAs.
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