The Los Angeles Clippers (43 - 24) defeated the host Houston Rockets (34 - 34) 122 - 106, Wednesday evening at Toyota Center. The Rockets came into this game winners of four of their last five games and half a game ahead of the eighth place Dallas Mavericks, while the Clippers came in losers of three of their last four, but just a few wins away from clinching a playoff spot. However, each team played as if they came in with the other's streak, as the struggling Clippers trounced the cruising Rockets. The Clippers managed to pour in 72 first - half points, which is the most points the Rockets have given up in a first half all season. The Clippers started out shooting very well from deep, with 10 made three - pointers in the first half but cooled down in the second half, finishing the game 12 - 30 from long range. DeAndre Jordan was a monster inside as he tallied 23 points (8 - 8 FG, 7 - 13 FT), 16 rebounds, two blocked shots, one assist and one steal, as he completely shut - down his counterpart, Dwight Howard. J.J. Redick chipped in 25 points (7 - 15 FG, 5 - 9 3Pt, 6 - 6 FT) and three assists, in 32 minutes, while Chris Paul played the maestro, with 15 points, 16 assists, four rebounds and two steals, in 32 minutes. The Clippers shot an incredible 57 percent from the field, largely thanks to Chris Paul's 16 assists, which accounted for more than half of the team's 31 assists on the game. The Rockets trailed the whole length of the game, however they did mount a run in the last few minutes to cut a 21 - point deficit to an 11 - point deficit with four minutes left but could not finish the job down the stretch. James Harden led his team as he tallied 33 points (11 - 23 FG, 5 - 10 3Pt, 6 - 8 FT), along with eight assists, five rebounds, one steal and one block, but also tallied eight turnovers, in 44 minutes. Michael Beasley had another strong game off the bench as he chipped in 16 points (7 - 12 FG, 2 - 4 FT), eight rebounds and one assist, in 19 minutes. Trevor Ariza also chipped in 16 points (5 - 11 FG, 2 - 5 3Pt, 4 - 4 FG), along with six rebounds and four assists, in 36 minutes. Houston had 16 turnovers on the game, while shooting a respectable 48 percent from the field. Next, the Rockets will host the Timberwolves on Friday. Meanwhile, Minnesota has won two of its last three games, with wins over OKC and Memphis, and will be no push over. The Clippers will play the third game of their current five - game road trip in Memphis on Saturday, in what could be a first round preview.
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