Kevin Durant, Rockets Applauded by NBA Fans After Win vs. James Harden, Clippers

Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets secured a 115-113 win over James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers at Toyota Center on Thursday night.

With the score tied 110-110 and just under 20 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Rockets guard Amen Thompson tipped in an offensive rebound while getting fouled to put Houston on top.

Durant finished with 16 points of 5-of-14 shooting, but connected on three of his five attempts from behind the arc. He also recorded three assists, although he committed five turnovers.

As for Harden, he scored 22 points and dished out seven assists while shooting 7-of-18 from the field.

Fans were impressed with the performance from Durant and the Rockets.

Thursday's contest was a hard-fought matchup, as neither team held a double-digit lead at any point during the game.

The Rockets opened the first quarter with a 9-2 edge, but the Clippers quickly responded and tied the score at 29-29 heading into the second.

Houston pulled ahead early in the next quarter before Los Angeles made a late run, taking a 54-51 lead at halftime. The Clippers maintained their narrow advantage throughout the third quarter before the Rockets gained some separation by opening the fourth on a 12-2 run.

Houston held a 110-105 lead with just over one minute left in the game, but a pair of free throws from Ivica Zubac cut into the deficit before Harden tied the score with a triple.

Thompson's ensuing putback was too much for Los Angeles to overcome, though. Zubac later connected on a free throw, but offensive fouls on consecutive possessions for both teams prevented the Clippers from jumping back in front.

Thompson nearly recorded a triple-double for the Rockets, scoring 20 points and grabbing nine rebounds to go along with eight assists. Alperen Şengün also finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds.

For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points on 9-of-22 shooting.

Houston improved to 16-6 with the victory, remaining at No. 3 in the Western Conference standings.