HOUSTON, 12 February 2026 – The Houston Rockets secured a vital victory in the first leg of their back-to-back home stand against the Los Angeles Clippers, defeating the visitors 102-95 at the Toyota Center on Tuesday night. The win bolsters Houston’s standing in the Western Conference as they continue to find rhythm behind their veteran leadership and emerging young core.
Durant and Şengün Power Rockets to Victory
In a clash of Western Conference contenders, Kevin Durant proved why he remains one of the league’s most lethal scorers. Durant led all scorers with 26 points, a performance that also saw him climb further up the NBA’s all-time historic scoring list. Supporting the veteran’s effort, Turkish centre Alperen Şengün dominated the interior, contributing 22 points on an efficient 9-of-14 shooting, while adding seven rebounds and five assists.
The Clippers, playing without star forward Kawhi Leonard (injury), struggled to find consistent offensive flow. Despite a resilient effort from their bench and a late-game push, Los Angeles could not overcome Houston’s defensive pressure in the final minutes. The Rockets improved their season record to 33-19, while the Clippers fell to 25-28.
Head-to-Head History and Statistics
The rivalry between these two franchises has been historically dominated by Houston, though the Clippers have remained competitive in recent years. Following Tuesday’s result, the Rockets have won six of the last ten meetings between the two teams.
| Metric | Houston Rockets | LA Clippers |
|---|---|---|
| All-Time Regular Season Wins | 129 | 93 |
| Total Games Played | 222 | |
| Last 10 Games Record | 6-4 | 4-6 |
| Average PPG (Last 10) | 112.7 | – |
| Home Win % (Historical) | 53.8% | 55.3% |
Recent Matchup Results
The 2025-26 season series has been a back-and-forth affair, with both teams finding success on their respective home floors. The most recent encounter on 10 February 2026 highlighted Houston’s ability to close out tight games.
- 10 February 2026: Houston Rockets 102, LA Clippers 95
- 23 December 2025: LA Clippers 128, Houston Rockets 108
- 11 December 2025: Houston Rockets 115, LA Clippers 113
- 11 July 2025 (Summer League): LA Clippers 95, Houston Rockets 92
The Rematch: Back-to-Back in Houston
The two teams met again on Wednesday night, 11 February 2026, for a rare consecutive rematch at the Toyota Center. Early reports indicate the Rockets focused their defensive scheme on containing the Clippers’ perimeter shooters, aiming to sweep the two-game home set. The Clippers, meanwhile, have been navigating a period of transition following the high-profile trades of James Harden and Ivica Zubac earlier in the season, which has left them leaning heavily on their depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led the scoring in the most recent Rockets vs. Clippers game?
Kevin Durant led the Houston Rockets with 26 points in their 102-95 victory on 10 February 2026.
What is the all-time record between the Rockets and the Clippers?
Historically, the Rockets hold the advantage with 129 regular-season wins compared to 93 for the Clippers.
Why did Kawhi Leonard miss the game on 10 February?
Kawhi Leonard was listed as “out” on the official injury report for the 10 February matchup, though he remains a focal point of the Clippers’ long-term strategy as they push for a playoff spot.
Where do the teams stand in the Western Conference?
As of 12 February 2026, the Rockets sit comfortably with a 33-19 record, while the Clippers are fighting to improve their 25-28 standing to secure a post-season berth.