The Houston Rockets secured a thrilling 115-113 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night, thanks to Amen Thompson's clutch performance. With 17.2 seconds remaining, Thompson's three-point play broke the deadlock, tipping in Alperen Sengun's miss and hitting the and-1 free throw. This was Houston's third offensive rebound of the possession and 21st of the night. Thompson's outstanding game included 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, showcasing his versatility and impact on the court.
The Rockets' dominant performance was further highlighted by their superior rebounding, outpacing the Clippers 51-28. This win marked a significant achievement as it prevented the team from losing back-to-back games for the first time since October 24. The Clippers, on the other hand, faced a challenging night, with two opportunities to tie the game slipping away due to an offensive foul and a violation on an inbounds pass. Despite the loss, the Clippers' star players, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, put up impressive numbers, with Leonard scoring 24 points and Harden contributing 22 points against his former team.
The Rockets' next game will see them travel to Denver on Monday, while the Clippers will host Memphis on the same day. The AP NBA hub provides further insights and updates on the latest NBA news and standings.