Clippers' Kawhi Leonard sinks Rockets with a clutch 19-point 4th quarter - ESPN
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* Michael C. Wright
* Feb 12, 2026, 02:33 PM
In a thrilling NBA showdown, the LA Clippers' Kawhi Leonard proved his mettle, leading his team to a 105-102 victory over the Houston Rockets. With a game-high 27 points, including a crucial 19-point outburst in the final quarter, Leonard showcased his clutch gene, lifting the Clippers to their 33rd consecutive 20-point contest, a remarkable feat.
The Clippers' star forward drained a 13-foot turnaround fadeaway, followed by a three-point play with mere seconds on the clock, sealing the deal. This performance marked Leonard's third-longest streak within a season and fourth-longest overall in Clippers' history, according to ESPN Research. Leonard's prowess in the fourth quarter is evident, as he's scored 15 or more points in that frame five times this season, second only to Donovan Mitchell's eight.
The Rockets' Kevin Durant, a formidable opponent, praised Leonard's skills, stating, 'He's a shotmaker. He can make shots from all over the floor.' Despite the Rockets' efforts, Leonard's patience and precision proved too much to handle, as he consistently found ways to score, even when double-teamed.
The Clippers' resilience was on full display, bouncing back from a loss to the Rockets on Tuesday night, and improving their record to 20-7 since Dec. 20, the best in the NBA over that span. Leonard's winning bucket pushed the Clippers' record to an impressive 7-0 in clutch time.
Clippers guard Kris Dunn summed it up perfectly: 'Give him the ball and get out of the way. He's one of the best to get to a spot. Once he gets going, it's just him and the basket.'
However, the Rockets' strategy of blitzing and double-teaming Leonard early in the game backfired. Through the first three quarters, Leonard struggled, shooting 3-of-10 from the field with only eight points and four turnovers. But he remained steadfast, keeping his shooting touch and refusing to let the misses affect his determination to win.
The Rockets' struggles continued, with a 2-4 record in their past six games at Toyota Center, and a season-high eight turnovers for Durant. The Clippers capitalized on Houston's turnovers, turning them into 23 points, showcasing their ability to capitalize on their opponents' mistakes.
As the game clock ticked down, Leonard's finger roll with 9:23 left gave the Clippers their first lead of the second half. He finally missed his first shot of the quarter with 6:55 remaining, but the damage was already done, as the Clippers had built a comfortable 89-82 lead.
In the end, Leonard's clutch performance and the Clippers' resilience proved too much for the Rockets to handle, solidifying his status as a game-changer and a true leader on the court.
