Clippers' Kawhi Leonard sinks Rockets with a clutch 19-point 4th quarter performance - ESPN
By Michael C. Wright
February 12, 2026
HOUSTON -- In a thrilling display of basketball prowess, LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard showcased his clutch gene, hitting a crucial 13-foot turnaround fadeaway shot with just 2 seconds left on the clock, part of a three-point play that sealed the deal. This dramatic moment lifted the Clippers to a 105-102 victory over the Houston Rockets.
Leonard's performance was nothing short of extraordinary, as he finished with a game-high 27 points, an impressive 19 of which came in the final quarter of a game where the Clippers trailed by as many as 15 points. This achievement marked Leonard's 33rd consecutive 20-point contest, a remarkable feat that ranks as the third-longest streak within a season and the fourth-longest overall in Clippers' history, according to ESPN Research.
Leonard's scoring prowess in the fourth quarter is not a fluke. He has now scored 15 or more points in the final frame five times this season, which is the second-most in the NBA, just behind Donovan Mitchell's eight. Leonard's ability to remain composed and deliver in high-pressure situations is a testament to his skill and experience.
The Rockets' forward, Kevin Durant, acknowledged Leonard's talent, stating, 'He's a shotmaker. He can make shots from all over the floor. Then they're missing a couple of guys, so they're playing through him the majority of the night. He's just patient out there, one of the greatest of all time. You've got to be worried about a guy like that all game.'
The Clippers' resilience was on full display as they bounced back from a loss to the Rockets on Tuesday night, playing on the second night of a back-to-back schedule. Since December 20, the Clippers have boasted the best record in the NBA, standing at 20-7. Leonard's winning bucket pushed their record to an impressive 7-0 in clutch time.
Clippers guard Kris Dunn summed up Leonard's impact, saying, 'Give him the ball and get out of the way. Get ready for defense, honestly. He's one of the best to get to a spot. He knows his spot. Once he gets going, it's just him and the basket, honestly.'
However, the Rockets appeared to have the game under control early on, taking a 15-point lead with 1:27 left in the second quarter thanks to Durant's fadeaway jumper. Leonard struggled in the first three quarters, shooting just 3-of-10 from the field and managing only eight points and four turnovers, as the Rockets' defense constantly blitzed and double-teamed him.
Leonard's reaction to his poor shooting in the first three quarters was refreshing. He said, 'I didn't even know. That's a part of it. You've got to keep shooting the basketball no matter what it is. That's what I did. I don't care about makes or misses. I'm going to try to keep shooting and win the game.'
Leonard's determination paid off in the final quarter. He hit his first four shots and connected on a pair of free throws, including a finger roll with 9:23 left, which gave the Clippers their first lead of the second half. Leonard's first missed shot of the quarter came with 6:55 remaining, and the Clippers were up by 17 points.
Despite starting the season with a strong 16-3 record at home, the Rockets have struggled in their last six games at the Toyota Center, going 2-4. Houston committed 21 turnovers, which the Clippers converted into 23 points. Durant's eight turnovers tied a season high.
Durant expressed his frustration with the Rockets' defensive strategy, saying, 'I feel like they're selling out to stop some of my actions when I get it, especially in the pick-and-roll. I've never seen this. When the guys in the corner with me and Alpi [Alperen Sengun] in the pick-and-roll, they are leaving their guys in the corner and running so they're basically an extra man guarding the pick-and-roll. They were trying to steal those pocket passes to Alpi. They trapped me so heavy up top. So sometimes I'm not seeing this third guy coming over there and getting the steal. Usually that pass is open. Then, boom, steal.'
