The Houston Rockets can credit a stifling defense for their hot 8-4 start this season, with a physical and aggressive group sporting the NBA's No. 3 defensive rating entering Friday night. Houston now has a court to match its bruising style.

James Harden has 21 points and moves into a tie for second on the NBA’s career 3-pointers list, but Houston leads wire-to-wire and hands the Clippers a 125-104 defeat.

The Houston Rockets began their Emirates NBA Cup 2024 run with Friday’s home game versus the Los Angeles Clippers. Here’s a look at how it all works.