This was a proper Playoffs-style contest; full of lead changes, surging action, drama, ejections and crazy skirmishes along the way. The Los Angeles Clippers came out firing in the first half, establishing a healthy 15-point lead at half-time. The Houston Rockers seemed dispirited; but came out firing in the third quarter; out-scoring the Clippers 36-18 to establish a 3-point lead going into the fourth. The Clippers; spurred by Paul George; themselves came roaring back in the fourth; establishing their own lead; before the Rockets; galvanised by James Harden; showed composure down the stretch to pull off this stunning victory on their big rivals' home-court.
Perhaps not surprisingly, there were some skirmishes along the way; with Patrick Beverley (to no one's surprise) starting the fireworks with some stunning defense on James Harden. Ben McLemore followed with a push on the in-bounds play; leading to Beverley reacting by squaring up and leading to a double-technical. More was to follow in the second half; as the normally-serene Lou Williams exploded with an outburst after a foul-call on him on Russell Westbrook; leading to a double-technical and ejection. The tide at this point was turning the Rockets' way; and worse was to follow for the Clippers as Beverley was called for his sixth foul (thus fouling out) before receiving another double-technical with Westbrook as he was walking off the court; with the latter seemingly taunting Beverley on the foul-out. Harden started pushing Westbrook off; irritated at his team-mate's lack of composure and danger of getting a second technical. It was all kicking off.
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