The Clippers win six games in a roll to try to avoid the play-in games

Los Angeles Clippers #40 Ivica Zubac (C) is going up for a two-handed dunk and had a career night with a triple-double, 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Photo by Deangelo Scruggs/TGSportstv1 April 9, 2025.

LOS ANGELES, CA - The Los Angeles Clippers(48-32), won their final home game of the regular season as they defeated the Houston Rockets(52-28) 134-117.

After starting the season 0-4 at home, the Clippers concluded their inaugural regular season at the new Intuit Dome with an impressive home record of 30 wins and 11 losses.

The Clippers have won six games in a row and are surging at the right time, winning 16 of their last 19 games as they try to hang on to that No. 6 seed. They are currently the No. 5 seed and have two pivotal road games remaining in the regular season.

Ivica Zubac achieved his first career triple-double in this game, recording 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. James Harden added 35 points and 10 assists. Kawhai Leonard was back in the starting lineup and contributed 22 points and 10 rebounds.

After the game, Zubac shared his thoughts on his most recent accomplishment. "It was nice, you know having a triple-double, 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. It felt more and more comfortable passing the ball, getting double, being patient, and finding the open man".

Los Angeles Clippers #1 James Harden (G) is driving to the basket for a left-handed layup against the Houston Rockets defense. Photo by Deangelo Scruggs/TGSportstv1 April 9, 2025.

The Houston Rockets already clinched the No. 2 seed, so they rested most of their starting lineup. Rookie guard Reed Shepard took advantage of his opportunity and led the Rockets in scoring with 20 points.

Houston opened the game with three-pointers from Shepard and Tari Eason to take a 6-2 lead. Los Angeles responded with a 20-6 run, which was highlighted by a couple of dunks from Zubac and threes-pointers from Harden and Leonard. 

The shorthanded Rockets weathered the run and trailed 35-36 at the end of the first period.

In the second quarter, like in the first, Houston struck first with a three-pointer from the veteran Jeff Green to give the Rockets a 38-36 advantage.

Los Angeles Clippers #2 Kawhi Leonard (F) is driving toward the basket and being guarded by the Houston Rockets #15 Reed Sheppard (G). Photo by Deangelo Scruggs/TGSportstv1 April 9, 2025.

Nicolas Batum answered with 12 straight points for the Clippers forcing Head Coach Ime Udoka to call a timeout with 8:34 left in the quarter.

The Clippers were ahead 48-42. Los Angeles was in charge during the remainder of the first half as they went on a 16-2 run and took a commanding 71-58 lead into halftime.

Shepard led the Rockets in scoring with 11 first-half points. Houston shot 48% (21-of-43) from the field and 47% (10-of-21) from three-point distance in the half.

Zubac led Los Angeles in scoring with 18 points in the first half. The Clippers went 27-of-51 (52%) from the field and 9-of-18 (50%) in the half.

At the start of the third quarter, James Harden opened the quarter with six unanswered points to push Los Angeles's lead to 19. Aaron Holiday pulled up for a deep three to cut the deficit to 86-94 with 02:15 left in the period. Bogdan Bogdanović's three-pointer gave the Clippers a 105-91 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Houston started the fourth with an 8-0 run to cut the lead to 105-99, but the Clippers put the game away with a 12-1 run directly after to stretch their lead back to double figures. Los Angeles concluded the game with a 134-117 final score.

The Rockets shot 53%(24-of-45) from the field and 52% (10-of19) from behind the arc in the second half. The Clippers shot 21-of-39 (53%) from the field and 10 of 19 (52%) from three-point range in the second half.

The Clippers now prepare to wrap up the final two games of their season on the road against the Sacramento Kings on Friday and Sunday against the Golden State Warriors.