Los Angeles ClippersVollständige Analyse öffnenVSHouston RocketsVollständige Analyse öffnen

The Houston Rockets edged the Los Angeles Clippers 115–113 on December 11 at Toyota Center in a defensive stalemate that finished well below the Vegas total of 221.5. Ivica Zubac led the Clippers with 33 points while Kawhi Leonard added 24, but Los Angeles couldn't overcome a fourth-quarter surge from Houston, which outscored the visitors 35–31 in the final frame. Alperen Sengun paced the Rockets with 22 points, supported by Alec Thompson's 20, as Houston shot 46.2 percent from the field and made 12 three-pointers to Los Angeles's 14. The Clippers dominated the glass with 51 rebounds to Los Angeles's 28 and forced 15 steals, yet Houston's balanced offensive attack—26 assists on 115 points—proved decisive down the stretch. Both teams posted nearly identical offensive ratings (117.1 for Houston, 117.2 for Los Angeles) and defensive ratings (117.2 and 117.1, respectively), underscoring how closely matched these squads were. The Rockets' ability to close out the final quarter positions them favorably in the Western Conference conversation.