On December 12 , the Rockets narrowly defeated the Clippers 115-113. The Rockets withstood the pressure in the final minutes, securing the victory thanks to Shen Jing's consistent performance and Amen's crucial and-one play in the final seconds.

At the start of the game, Shen Jing, Amen, and Jabari Smith Jr. scored 7 points in a row. The Clippers gradually closed the gap thanks to the combination of Harden and Zubac, but Leonard then scored 8 consecutive points to stabilize the situation. Towards the end of the first quarter, both teams' substitutes hit consecutive three-pointers to tie the game at 29. In the second quarter, the Rockets regained the lead thanks to Holiday's three-pointer and Shen Jing's strong inside attack, while the Clippers responded with jump shots from Leonard and Bogdanovic from the outside. Later, the Clippers, led by Harden and Dunn, hit two three-pointers, and Zubac helped the team take the lead. At halftime, the Clippers led 54-51.

After switching sides, Durant hit three consecutive baskets midway through the quarter to help the Rockets stay close. With Okogie's buzzer-beating layup, the Clippers entered the final quarter with an 82-80 lead. Late in the quarter, the Rockets once led by 5 points. Harden hit a crucial three-pointer to tie the game, but Amen immediately converted a 2+1 play . Ultimately, the Rockets narrowly defeated the Clippers 115-113.

Rockets player statistics

Shen Jing had 22 points, 15 rebounds , 5 assists, and 4 steals; Amen had 20 points , 9 rebounds , and 8 assists; Smith Jr. had 18 points , 10 rebounds, and 4 assists; Durant had 16 points , 1 rebound , and 3 assists; Holiday had 13 points and 1 rebound; Sheppard had 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists .

Clippers player statistics

Zubac had 33 points , 7 rebounds , 1 assist, and 2 blocks; Leonard had 24 points , 9 rebounds , 4 assists , and 5 steals; Harden had 22 points , 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals; Bogdanovic had 10 points , 5 rebounds, and 2 assists; Dunn had 9 points , 1 rebound , 6 assists , and 2 steals; Collins had 9 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals .