In Friday’s rout of the Clippers, Rockets star Alperen Sengun had the fifth triple-double of his career with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.

James Harden has 21 points and moves into a tie for second on the NBA’s career 3-pointers list, but Houston leads wire-to-wire and hands the Clippers a 125-104 defeat.

The Houston Rockets can credit a stifling defense for their hot 8-4 start this season, with a physical and aggressive group sporting the NBA's No. 3 defensive rating entering Friday night. Houston now has a court to match its bruising style.

James Harden scores 21 points and moves into a tie for the second most three-pointers all time, but he can't save the Clippers from a 125-104 loss.

The Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to four games with a win over the L.A. Clippers in NBA Cup play Friday night.

Jabari Smith Jr. had a season-high 28 points with five 3-pointers and the Houston Rockets never trailed in a 125-104 rout of the Los Angeles Clippers in their NBA Cup opener.

The Houston Rockets began their Emirates NBA Cup 2024 run with Friday’s home game versus the Los Angeles Clippers. Here’s a look at how it all works.

James Harden L of Los Angeles Clippers dribbles during the 2024-2025 NBA Cup group match between Los Angeles Clip

James Harden and Jalen Green square off as we continue our NBA odds series with a Clippers-Rockets prediction and pick.

In Houston’s NBA Cup rout of the Clippers, Jabari Smith Jr. and Fred VanVleet both had double doubles while making 9-of-17 from 3-point range (52.9%).