Paul George’s clutch jumpers rally Clippers past Rockets
Clippers forward Paul George shoots what proved to be the game-winning basket over Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon during the final seconds of their 95-93 comeback win on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers guard Reggie Jackson gets past Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun for a layup during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers forward Paul George blocks a shot by Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers forward Norman Powell passes the ball as Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) and forward Usman Garuba (16) defend during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers forward Nicolas Batum lays the ball in as Houston Rockets forward Usman Garuba defends during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers forward Norman Powell, left, fouls Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers forward Paul George shoots as Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason defends during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers guard John Wall, center, and forward Kawhi Leonard, right, sit on the bench during the first half of their game against the Houston Rockets on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr., right, shoots as Clippers center Ivica Zubac defends during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers guard Terance Mann shoots in front of Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green, left, during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Houston Rockets’ Eric Gordon drives to the basket as the Clippers’ Paul George defends during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon falls out of bounds during the first half of their game against the Clippers on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Houston Rockets coach Stephen Silas laughs on the sideline during their game against the Clippers on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers forward Norman Powell shoots as Houston Rockets forward Usman Garuba (16) defends during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers guard Terance Mann, left, defends against Houston Rockets guard Daishen Nix during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers guard Terance Mann, right, is greeted by forward Paul George, left, guard John Wall, center, and forward Kawhi Leonard, center right, as he returns to the bench during the first half of their game against the Houston Rockets on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Houston Rockets forward Kenyon Martin Jr. (6) defends against Clippers forward Paul George during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. shoots as Clippers guard Terance Mann defends during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Houston Rockets’ Kenyon Martin Jr., center, and Clippers center Ivica Zubac, left, vie for a rebound as the Rockets’ Tari Eason, right, looks on during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets’ Kevin Porter Jr. has his shot blocked from behind by the Clippers’ Paul George during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Clippers’ Paul George, left, talks with teammate Luke Kennard during their game against the Houston Rockets on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green drives to the basket as Clippers guard Reggie Jackson reaches in during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. shoots as Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr., left, defends during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Houston Rockets’ Usman Garuba, left, and Jalen Green grab a rebound off the rim as the Clippers’ Terance Mann, center, looks on during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers coach Tyronn Lue reacts to a call during their game against the Houston Rockets on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets’ Eric Gordon, center, loses the ball in front of the Clippers’ Terance Mann, right, and Norman Powell during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Clippers’ Norman Powell drives as the Houston Rockets’ Daishen Nix, left, and Usman Garuba (16) defend during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets’ Eric Gordon attempts a shot as the Clippers’ Paul George defends during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets’ Kenyon Martin Jr. soars to the basket for a dunk in front of the Clippers’ Luke Kennard, center, and Marcus Morris Sr. during the first half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers forward Paul George defends against Houston Rockets guard Garrison Mathews during the second half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers guard Terance Mann looks to pass as Houston Rockets forward Usman Garuba defends during the second half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers forward Paul George defends against Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. during the second half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Clippers’ Amir Coffey reacts as he is fouled by Kenyon Martin Jr. while taking a shot on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Houston Rockets forward Kenyon Martin Jr. dunks during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Houston Rockets forward Kenyon Martin Jr. dunks during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers guard Reggie Jackson drives to the basket between the Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green, right, and Kevin Porter Jr. during the second half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon, left, and Clippers forward Paul George reach for a loose ball during the second half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason shoots as Clippers forward Nicolas Batum defends during the second half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Clippers’ Paul George drives as the Houston Rockets’ Jalen Green defends during the second half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac, center, loses the ball between the Houston Rockets’ Eric Gordon, right, and Kevin Porter Jr. (3) during the second half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason soars to the basket during the second half of their game against the Clippers on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers guard Reggie Jackson attempts a pass in front of the Houston Rockets’ Kevin Porter Jr., center, and Kenyon Martin Jr. during the second half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Houston Rockets forward Tari Eason, left, and Clippers guard Luke Kennard run after a loose ball during the second half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Clippers’ Paul George, left, and Ivica Zubac run a pick-and-roll during the second half of their game against the Houston Rockets on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Clippers’ Paul George celebrates his basket as he calls for a foul during the second half of their game against the Houston Rockets on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac, right, has his shot blocked by the Houston Rockets’ Kenyon Martin Jr. during the second half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac dunks off a pass from Paul George, right, in front of the Houston Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. during the second half on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers forward Paul George celebrates after making a 3-pointer during the second half of their 95-93 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Clippers’ John Wall, center, laughs on the sidelines during the second half of their game against the Houston Rockets on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Clippers’ Paul George stumbles as he drives against the Houston Rockets’ Eric Gordon before making what proved to be the winning shot during the final seconds of their 95-93 victory on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Clippers’ Paul George drives against the Houston Rockets’ Eric Gordon before making what proved to be the winning shot during the final seconds of their 95-93 victory on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Clippers’ Paul George celebrates after making what proved to be the winning shot with 6.2 seconds left in their 95-93 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Clippers’ Paul George celebrates along the sidelines after making what proved to be the winning shot with 6.2 seconds left in their 95-93 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers forward Paul George, right, celebrates after making a go-ahead basket during the final seconds of their 95-93 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. George finished with 35 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and six steals, making the tying 3-pointer and the winning jumper in the final minute. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers forward Paul George, right, celebrates with teammate Luke Kennard after making what proved to be the winning shot during the final seconds of their 95-93 victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Clippers forward Paul George, center, celebrates with guard John Wall, left, and guard Luke Kennard (5) after making what proved to be the winning shot in the final seconds of their 95-93 comeback victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Houston Rockets’ Eric Gordon reacts after taking and missing the last shot of their 95-93 loss to the Clippers on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. Gordon thought he was fouled on the play. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers star Paul George celebrates with his father, Paul George Sr., after George hit the winning shot in their 95-93 comeback victory over the Houston Rockets on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Clippers guard Luke Kennard stretches as pyrotechnics go off before their game against the Houston Rockets on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Clippers are introduced before their game against the Houston Rockets on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
LOS ANGELES — The Clippers needed to change something. They had lost four in a row, Kawhi Leonard was still on the bench in street clothes, and any conversation about an NBA title was growing increasingly quiet.
So, Coach Tyronn Lue took aim at the lineup and inserted guard Luke Kennard into the starting five for the first time this season.
“I just wanted to do something different,” Lue said before the game.
The lineup was different, but the difference in the game came not at the start, but in the final minute. That’s when Paul George made his presence felt to lift the Clippers to a 95-93 victory over the Houston Rockets, snapping their four-game losing streak.
With less than 45 seconds left and the Clippers trailing, 93-90, George buried a 27-foot 3-pointer to tie the score with 40.2 seconds left. He stole the ball on the ensuing play and after Lue called a timeout, George made the winning basket on a baseline jumper with 6.2 seconds left – their first lead of the fourth quarter.
The 6-foot-8 forward either scored or assisted on the last seven field goals and finished with 35 points on 15-of-26 shooting (5 for 10 from 3-point range), nine rebounds, eight assists and six steals. It was George’s fifth career game with at least 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals.
George said he had only one thing on his mind in the waning minutes: put the Clippers in a position to win.
“I take full responsibility for us and our record right now,” George said. “Regardless, like I have been saying, regardless of who is in the lineup, who’s not, I am more than capable of going out and performing and willing our team to wins.
“So, I took a lot of it on the chin for myself for the way we have been playing and for the start that we have had so far.”
With his team struggling to make a shot against a scrappy Rockets (1-7) squad, Lue was relieved to watch George and center Ivica Zubac turn the game into a two-man show. Zubac finished with 16 points on 6-of-8 shooting, pulled down 12 rebounds and blocked four shots.
“Right now, while we’re struggling, we need everything, everybody, every point,” Lue said, pointing especially to George’s late-game heroics.
“But tonight, was huge (for George) – 35-9-8, six steals, two blocks,” Lue said. “While we’re struggling, we need him to play at that kind of level.
“(We need) to continue to keep building good habits. Holding this team to 93 points was gooddefensively. We rebounded the ball better, only having 14 turnovers is pretty good for us, and then now hopefully we can make some shots at some point.”
The Clippers’ shooting fell short, especially from behind the arc, where they shot just 25% (9 for 36). Yet, Lue wasn’t focusing on the negatives, not after posting their first victory since Oct. 22.
“Man, it feels good. I don’t care who we play,” he said. “It’s a young, scrappy team that plays fast. They play hard, Coach (Steven) Silas has done a good job of just making sure everyone accepts their roles and you can see that.
“They play through their two young guys and Eric Gordon and everyone else is just, they get theirs when they get it. I knew it was going to be a tough game. But anytime you can get a win, you’ll take it in this league.”
The Clippers were right there in the second half, a few shots from resembling the team that they thought they were before the season started. But injuries, illnesses and other unexpected absences have wreaked havoc with the lineups and rotations, something the Clippers will continue to deal with in the near future.
Leonard will not travel with the team to Texas for games against Houston on Wednesday and San Antonio on Friday, instead staying behind in Los Angeles to receive more treatment on his surgically repaired right knee. That means he will have missed seven of the Clippers’ first nine games and six straight – with no end date in sight.
“He’s frustrated,” Lue said. “He wants to be out on the floor and then not being on the floor, and then now he can’t travel. He wants to travel but the doctor said it’s not the right thing to do right now with the stiffness and what he is going through.”
The Clippers also were without point guard John Wall (left knee injury management) and forward Robert Covington (health and safety protocols).
Lue said the Clippers cannot use any of that as excuses. He said every team has injuries and must juggle lineups.
Without Leonard, George, Clippers are no match for Thunder
“There’s no excuses,” Lue said. “Every team goes through it. We just happen to be one of those teams that go through it all the time. But it’s no excuse. We have to be better; we understand that – and it’s from the coaches to the players. We have to figure this out.”
The Clippers started the game in a more spirited fashion, attacking the basket with a renewed efficiency, shooting 57.1% from the field in the first quarter.
George had 12 points in the opening quarter as his teammates repeatedly found him in the open court. Morris Sr. and Zubac also got off to strong starts.
But the Clippers found themselves fighting to hold onto their lead in the waning minutes of the first half. The Rockets took a 38-37 lead with 5:22 remaining. Kennard answered with his first 3-pointer for a 42-41 lead and buried his second to tie the score at 45 with 2:19 left.
George followed to give the Clippers the final lead of the first half as the Rockets, who were playing their final game of a four-game, six-day trip, took a 52-51 lead into halftime.
Paul George hit the game-winner for the @LAClippers while becoming the first player in NBA History to have at least 35 PTS, 9 REB, 8 AST, 6 STL, and 5 3PM in a game! #ClipperNationpic.twitter.com/TJwKGTLtGC
