Twin Terrors Unleash Havoc: Rockets Soar Past Clippers in Dramatic Home Victory
In a thrilling Wednesday night showdown at the Toyota Center, the Houston Rockets continued their impressive run by defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 111-103, marking their third straight victory and improving to an impressive 8-4 record this season.
The game began as a nostalgic shootout between former Rockets star James Harden and rising talent Jalen Green. Harden, who spent eight memorable seasons in Houston, came out firing on all cylinders, knocking down three of his four three-point attempts in the opening quarter.
The Beard’s hot start helped the Clippers build an early 11-point lead, but Green matched his former predecessor’s intensity, keeping the Rockets within striking distance.
However, the true game-changers emerged from Houston’s bench in the form of the “Twin Terrors”—Amen Thompson and Tari Eason. The dynamic duo turned the tide with their explosive energy and defensive prowess, completely disrupting the Clippers’ rhythm and transforming what started as a Harden homecoming party into a showcase of Houston’s bright future.
“The Twin Terrors got the whole NBA Twitter buzzing tonight,” said broadcaster Ryan Hollins, as Thompson and Eason each posted impressive doubles. Thompson filled the stat sheet with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Eason matched his teammates’s scoring output and added 10 boards of his own.
Green led all scorers with 21 points, adding seven rebounds and four assists in an efficient performance. Alperen Şengün continued his strong start to the season with 13 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and four blocks, including a crucial rejection in the final minutes that helped seal the victory.
The game’s turning point came during a decisive 19-2 run spanning the late third and early fourth quarters, pushing Houston’s lead to 98-79. Eason was particularly impressive during this stretch, contributing eight points and energized both his teammates and the home crowd.
For the Clippers, now 6-6 on the season, questions arose when head coach Tyronn Lue made the surprising decision to bench Harden for the entire fourth quarter.
Despite finishing with 19 points, seven assists, and six rebounds, Harden’s shooting touch disappeared after his hot start, as he missed all four of his three-point attempts following the first quarter. The former Rocket now sits just three three-pointers shy of tying Ray Allen (2,973) for second place on the NBA’s all-time list, behind only Stephen Curry (3,779).
The Rockets’ dominance on the offensive glass proved crucial, as they outrebounded the Clippers 18-10 in that category, leading to a decisive 19-6 advantage in second-chance points. This effort on the boards showcased the young team’s growing maturity and commitment to the little things that win games.
These teams won’t have to wait long for a rematch, as they’ll face off again on Friday night at the Toyota Center in what promises to be an even more intense battle—their first Emirates NBA Cup matchup.
For now, the Rockets continue to surprise the league with their blend of young talent and improving chemistry, while the Clippers are left to ponder their rotations as they await the return of Kawhi Leonard, who remains sidelined with a right knee injury.