Houston RocketsVollständige Analyse öffnenVSLos Angeles ClippersVollständige Analyse öffnen

The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Houston Rockets 128–108 on December 23 at Intuit Dome, delivering a decisive defensive performance that held their visitors well below the Vegas total of 219.5 points. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 41 points, while James Harden added 29 in a balanced offensive attack. Los Angeles shot 54.5 percent from the field and made 20 three-pointers, establishing early control with a 29-point first quarter before extending their advantage through a 35-point third period. The Rockets, led by Kevin Durant's 22 points and Alperen Sengun's 19, struggled to generate consistent offense, committing 13 turnovers while shooting just 50 percent and connecting on only 9 threes. Houston's 42 rebounds proved insufficient to overcome a 25-assist, 20-three-pointer advantage for the Clippers, whose defense held the Rockets to a 117.5 offensive rating and forced seven steals. The Rockets' collapse in the second quarter—just 23 points—proved fatal to their comeback chances. The win solidifies the Clippers' Western Conference positioning heading into the new year.