Since going from a team capable of making the playoffs to the lottery, there is always a quarter where things become bleak for the Houston Rockets. This abhorrent pattern normally takes place either in the second or third quarter, but Friday night, the Rockets avoided the reoccurring collapse. Unfortunately, Houston’s quality play for a near 48 minutes was still not enough.
The Rockets held an 80-76 lead over the Los Angeles Clippers entering the fourth quarter. The sound offense the Rockets put on display for three quarters dropped off a tad bit, as Los Angeles outscored Houston 33-24 in the final period to secure a 109-104 victory inside the Toyota Center.