Jabari Smith Jr. scored a season-high 28 points, including five 3-pointers, as the Houston Rockets cruised to a 125-104 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in their NBA Cup opener. The win marked Houston’s season-best fourth consecutive victory and their second straight triumph over the Clippers, following a 111-103 result on Wednesday.

The Rockets dominated throughout, pulling ahead by 19 points in the third quarter. Fred VanVleet contributed 18 points and 10 assists, while Dillon Brooks added 17. James Harden led the Clippers with 21 points, hitting three 3-pointers to tie Ray Allen (2,973) for second-most career 3-pointers, behind Stephen Curry (3,779). The Clippers, now on a three-game losing streak, struggled without Kawhi Leonard, who remains sidelined rehabilitating his right knee. They’ll need to recalibrate after a flat showing in Houston.