Leonard’s Late Three-Point Play Secures Clippers’ Dramatic 105-102 Triumph Over Rockets

Key Takeaways:

• Kawhi Leonard delivered 27 points and clinched the win with a decisive three-point play with two seconds remaining
• Leonard scored 19 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter and has now reached 33 consecutive games with at least 20 points
• Kevin Durant led Houston with 21 points, and Reed Sheppard contributed 17 from the bench in the narrow Rockets defeat

Thrilling Finale Sees Clippers Edge Out Rockets

The Los Angeles Clippers emerged victorious in Houston, claiming a 105-102 win against the Rockets after a tense conclusion. Kawhi Leonard proved decisive, scoring a crucial three-point play with just two seconds remaining on the clock. Leonard finished with a team-high 27 points and 12 rebounds, with 19 of his points coming during the final quarter, helping to extend his league-best run of 33 consecutive games scoring at least 20 points.

CLIPPERS WIN!!!!! pic.twitter.com/O3J3EUcvdy

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 12, 2026

Fourth Quarter Drama Unfolds

Holding a narrow four-point lead, the Clippers saw Kevin Durant convert just one of his two free throws before Alperen Sengun reduced the deficit with a layup, bringing the score to 102-101 in favour of Los Angeles with 43 seconds left. As the clock wound down, Leonard missed a three-point attempt, allowing Jabari Smith Jr. to collect the rebound for Houston and hand them a late possession.

With only 7.2 seconds left, Sengun managed just one of his two free throws, levelling the scores for Houston. Leonard snatched the rebound, prompting the Clippers to call a timeout. Out of the break, Leonard executed a skilful fadeaway jumper, drew contact for the foul, and converted the subsequent free throw to restore a three-point Clippers edge at 105-102. Tari Eason had a final opportunity to tie the contest, but his attempt did not fall, sealing the victory for Los Angeles.

Key Contributions and Momentum Swings

Kevin Durant led the Rockets’ scoring with 21 points, while Reed Sheppard came off the bench to chip in with 17. The matchup witnessed several significant shifts in momentum. Early in the fourth, Houston led by five, but the Clippers responded with a sequence of 12 unanswered points – nine coming from Leonard – to swing the scoreline to 87-80 in their favour with roughly eight minutes to go.

Nevertheless, Houston answered with a 13-4 run, fuelled by Durant’s seven points, reclaiming the lead at 93-91 with four and a half minutes remaining. The closing minutes saw the Clippers pull ahead via five straight free throws, only for Durant to respond with a corner three-pointer. Leonard’s free throws restored the Clippers’ advantage, while a John Collins dunk stretched the lead to 102-98 with about 90 seconds left on the clock.

Score Progression and Statistics

Upcoming Fixtures

• Clippers: Set to host Denver on Thursday, 19 February
• Rockets: Scheduled to visit Charlotte on Thursday, 19 February