Rockets loses to Clippers, again, at home court

HOUSTON - Too many out-of-bound 3-pointers and free throws prevented the Houston Rockets to redeem their rout several days ago to the L.A. Clippers at their home court Saturday night.

Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin (7) drives the ball to the basket during the first quarter as Los Angeles Clippers power forward Blake Griffin (32) defends at Toyota Center. [Photo/Agencies]

The Rockets loses Saturday's NBA game to the Clippers 94-107 at the Toyota Center, a consecutive defeat after Monday's 118-137 loss to Los Angeles. The Rockets once saw signs of hope in the first half court when they led as much as 13 points. But they failed to stop the Clippers' offense in the third quarter and didn't do well in the fourth to narrow the gap.

James Harden, playing with a bruised left foot, made just 4 of 15 shots. The Rockets got good scoring from Pat Beverley, Chandler Parsons and Dwight Howard, but their 26.9 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 63 percent shooting from the free throw line could not keep pace. Houston finished 17 of 27 from the free throw line. The Rockets bench scored 12 points on 5 of 18 shooting.

Howard had 21 points and eight rebounds for the Rockets. Parsons added 23 points and eight rebounds, while Beverley scored 19 points. Harden had 12 points.

Blake Griffin and J.J. Redick scored 22 points respectively for the Clippers. Jamal Crawford had 16 points, Chris Paul added 14 points and 13 assists and DeAndre Jordan had 12 points and 18 rebounds.

Houston so far has won four games and lost three this season. They will play Toronto Monday at the Toyota Center.