The Latest Breaking News from John Wall

LOS ANGELES — The second act of the Los Angeles Clippers’ season began evening with a man stepping onto the court with eyes down, even as everyone else’s focused on him, and him alone.

Robert Covington went from undrafted to a decade of service in the NBA because of his obsessive study skills. When he scouts opponents, he watches full games, not only the clips.

The Clippers' stalwart point guard whipped out an invisible dictionary.

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.

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.

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.

In a matchup of teams on losing streaks, the Rockets were expecting to face former teammate John Wall for the first time. However, the Clippers are holding him out due to a back-to-back.

LOS ANGELES — Since the first practice of the season, coach Tyronn Lue has talked about the Clippers’ abundance of scoring options. One night it could be Kwahi Leonard or Paul George who takes charge. Another time it might be guard John Wall or Norman Powell who steps up.

Here are the best photos from the Thunder's second consecutive win over the Clippers.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Before they left their subdued locker room Thursday night inside Paycom Center, the shine from their preseason championship aspirations temporarily smudged by a 2-3 start, the Los Angeles Clippers were steadfast that one week into the season is not enough time to begin panicking.