The Latest Breaking News from Clippers

Many of the teams with the lowest expectations have been solid so far.

Paul George was sick.

SAN ANTONIO — For eight minutes Friday, the Clippers played like the team that left training camp openly declaring its championship aspirations — their long-armed defenders forcing consecutive stops on one end, their litany of shooters blowing open a lead with ruthless efficiency on the other.

“It’s been frustrating, but a learning lesson at the end of the day,” says Jalen Green, whose #Rockets fell to 1-8. “We are still young and still growing. It is all experience.”

The stands weren't close to full Wednesday, this city's attention drawn more to the hometown Astros' World Series appearance than early November basketball. The loudest Toyota Center cheers were sparked between the third and fourth quarters by the scoreboard showing an Astros lead in Philadelphia.

The #Rockets lost again to Paul George and the Clippers, but Jalen Green snapped his shooting slump and Alperen Sengun had a big night inside (26 points, 13 rebounds).

If the #Rockets want to flip the result in Wednesday’s rematch with the Clippers in Houston, better defense on Paul George (35 points, 57.7% FG on Monday) is a clear priority.

The Rockets nearly beat the Clippers in Los Angeles, even with Jalen Green struggling (23.5%). A bounce-back performance could give them a better shot to win in Houston.

Warriors and Kings headline the five most surprising lineups—good and bad—to start the NBA season.