Leonard’s Last-Minute Three-Point Play Secures 105-102 Victory for Clippers Against Rockets
Kawhi Leonard’s Late Heroics Secure Clippers’ Win Over Rockets
Kawhi Leonard delivered a standout performance, scoring 27 points, including a crucial three-point play with just two seconds remaining, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 105-102 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.
Leonard’s contributions did not stop at scoring; he also recorded 12 rebounds and netted 19 points in a pivotal fourth quarter, extending his impressive streak of scoring 20 points or more in 33 consecutive games.
The game saw the Clippers enter the final moments with a four-point advantage. Kevin Durant managed to narrow the deficit with a free throw, followed by a layup from Alperen Sengun that brought the score to 102-101 with 43 seconds remaining. A missed three-pointer by Leonard gave Houston possession, but they struggled to capitalize. Sengun tied the game with a free throw, making it 102-102 with just over seven seconds left. However, Leonard quickly reclaimed the spotlight, hitting a fadeaway jumper while drawing a foul, and converting the free throw to seal the game at 105-102.
Despite a missed opportunity from Tari Eason that could have tied the game for Houston, the Clippers held firm to secure the win.
Durant led the Rockets with 21 points, while Reed Sheppard contributed 17 points off the bench. The Rockets had briefly held a two-point lead before the Clippers responded with a series of five consecutive free throws, establishing a 98-95 advantage with just over two minutes to play.
In the closing minutes, Durant’s corner three-pointer tied the game, but Leonard’s free throws quickly regained the lead for Los Angeles. A dunk by John Collins widened the margin to 102-98 with about 90 seconds remaining.
The game shifted dramatically as Houston, previously leading by five, witnessed the Clippers rally with a 12-0 run, fueled largely by nine points from Leonard, to take an 87-80 lead with eight minutes left. Earlier, Houston had enjoyed a 13-point lead late in the third quarter before the Clippers surged back with a 12-0 run that set the tone for a tightly contested finish.
