Jabari Smith Jr. Leads Houston Rockets to Dominant Win Over LA Clippers in NBA Cup

The Houston Rockets secured a convincing victory over the LA Clippers in their first Emirates NBA Cup game, held at the Toyota Center on Friday night. This win marked the Rockets’ fourth consecutive victory and their first in the NBA Cup for the 2024-2025 season.

Jabari Smith Jr. was instrumental in the Rockets’ success, tying his career high with five three-pointers in the first half alone. He scored a game-high 19 points through two quarters, helping the Rockets build an 18-point lead over the Clippers.

In the second half, Smith Jr. and fellow forward Dillon Brooks continued their strong performance, combining for 10 three-pointers. Smith Jr. finished the game with a season-high 26 points, matching his career high of five three-pointers made in a single game. Brooks also contributed significantly, matching Smith Jr.’s five three-pointers.

The Rockets’ dominant three-point shooting was a key factor in their victory, with the team draining 19 shots from beyond the arc. In addition to Smith Jr. and Brooks, Tari Eason added two more three-pointers, and the trio accounted for 62 of the team’s 125 points.

Star center Alperen Şengün also had a standout performance, recording his first triple-double of the season with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.

The win overshadowed a historic night for former Rocket James Harden, who tied Ray Allen for second in all-time three-pointers made. However, the Rockets’ strong team effort ensured that Harden’s milestone was not the focal point of the game.

The Rockets will look to extend their win streak to five games as they face the Chicago Bulls on Sunday.