Kawhi Leonard has 25 points, Clippers rout Rockets 120-105

Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points and the Los Angeles Clippers rolled over the Houston Rockets 120-105 on Thursday night for their sixth straight victory.

The Rockets were done in by their shooting woes in a game that was billed as a matchup of two of the top teams in the Western Conference, but was a rout almost from the start. Houston had a chance to take the season series and secure the tiebreaker over the Clippers, but the loss left the teams tied 2-2.

Houston made just 7 of 42 3-pointers to drop its second straight game in embarrassing fashion after losing to the lowly New York Knicks on Monday night. The Rockets ended their streak of 18 straight games with 10 or more 3-pointers dating to Jan. 20.

Los Angeles Clippers' Kawhi Leonard (2) goes up for a shot as Houston Rockets' Robert Covington defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Houston. (AP PhotoDavid J. Phillip)

Russell Westbrook led the Rockets with 29 points and 15 rebounds. James Harden was 4 of 17 and missed all eight 3-pointers he attempted to finish with 16 points. The two stars and most of the other starters on both teams didn't play for much of the fourth quarter with the game out of reach.

The Clippers built a 67-44 lead by halftime after a first half where the Rockets made just 2 of 22 3-point attempts. Ivica Zubac added 17 points and 12 assists for Los Angeles and Montrezl Harrell added 19 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.

Houston’s shooting woes didn’t end after the break and the Rockets missed 11 of 12 3-pointers in the third quarter, including a couple of air balls. But the Rockets didn’t just struggle from long-range as they also missed several layups in the quarter to leave Los Angeles up 90-65 entering the fourth.

Houston Rockets' Russell Westbrook reacts after being fouled during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Clippers Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Houston. The Clippers won 120-105. (AP PhotoDavid J. Phillip)

TIP-INS

Clippers: Patrick Beverley received a flagrant 1 foul for grabbing Harden with both arms from behind on a fast break in the third quarter. ... Paul George had 13 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

Rockets: Eric Gordon left the game in the fourth quarter with knee soreness and did not return. ... Westbrook extended his career-best streak of games with 20 points or more to 32. ... Danuel House Jr. had 14 points.

Houston Rockets' Jeff Green (32) is fouled by Los Angeles Clippers' Paul George (13) during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Houston. The Clippers won 120-105. (AP PhotoDavid J. Phillip)

FACE-OFF

The Clippers were unhappy early in the fourth quarter when Harrell received a foul on a dunk attempt by Westbrook. Replays showed that Westbrook pressed his left hand into Harrell’s face as he elevated for the shot. But a challenge by Clippers coach Doc Rivers was unsuccessful and the foul call stood.

Harrell made a dunk soon after that and patted his head with both hands as he ran back down the court.

Houston Rockets' Russell Westbrook (0) goes up for a shot as Los Angeles Clippers' Paul George (13) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Houston. The Clippers won 120-105. (AP PhotoDavid J. Phillip)

UP NEXT

Clippers: Host the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.

Rockets: At Charlotte on Saturday night.

Houston Rockets' Russell Westbrook (0) drives toward the basket as Los Angeles Clippers' Ivica Zubac defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Houston. (AP PhotoDavid J. Phillip)

Los Angeles Clippers' Ivica Zubac (40) goes up for a shot as Houston Rockets' James Harden defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Houston. (AP PhotoDavid J. Phillip)

Houston Rockets' Russell Westbrook, right, is fouled by Los Angeles Clippers' Patrick Beverley, bottom, during the second half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Houston. The Clippers won 120-105. (AP PhotoDavid J. Phillip)

Los Angeles Clippers' Lou Williams, center, reaches for the ball as Houston Rockets' Ben McLemore, left, and Eric Gordon, right, defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Houston. (AP PhotoDavid J. Phillip)

Los Angeles Clippers' Kawhi Leonard (2) drives toward the basket as Houston Rockets' Robert Covington defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 5, 2020, in Houston. (AP PhotoDavid J. Phillip)

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Manchester City signed Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth on Friday to strengthen its attacking options ahead of the team's tilt at the Premier League and Champions League titles.

Semenyo, who has scored 10 goals and been one of the best attackers in English soccer this season, has moved in a deal worth a reported 65 million pounds ($87 million) and on a 5 1/2-year deal.

He'll provide competition to City's stock of wingers that already includes Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush, Savinho and Oscar Bobb, and could also be a back-up to Erling Haaland — the sole senior striker in the squad. Savinho and Bobb are currently injured, while Marmoush — currently at the Africa Cup of Nations — has been out of favor this season.

The 26-year-old Semenyo also was linked with Manchester United and Liverpool. He was at Bournemouth for 2 1/2 seasons after joining from second-tier Bristol City.

“I have so much scope for improvement," Semenyo said in a City statement, "so to be at this club, at this stage of my career, is perfect for me. It’s a real privilege to be here.

“My best football is yet to come, I am sure of that."

Semenyo marked his final game for Bournemouth by scoring a stoppage-time winner from outside the area against Tottenham on Wednesday.

“Everything just aligned," said the forward, whose two-footedness means he is a danger on either wing.

“It makes it so difficult for defenders to mark me – it’s my God-given talent," Semenyo said in quotes provided by City. “I feel very chaotic on the eye, just spontaneous and can do anything at any moment."

City manager Pep Guardiola has showed a willingness to play more on the counterattack this season in a switch of style and the club's director of football, Hugo Viana, said Semenyo was an “ideal” signing.

“We are constantly watching players all over the world. Antoine was the one we most wanted," Viana said. “He has shown he can perform in the Premier League. He is humble, hard-working, professional and totally focused on being a better footballer.”

Guardiola added: “He was extraordinary at Bournemouth and can play both sides. He uses both feet unbelievably. He can play as a striker too, with his pace. He knows the Premier League. Many clubs wanted him but he decided to join us.”

City is second in the Premier League, six points behind Arsenal in its bid to regain the title after relinquishing it to Liverpool last season.

Guardiola's team is fourth in the 36-club Champions League standings with two rounds of matches remaining in the league phase. The top eight qualify automatically for the round of 16.

Semenyo has never played in the Champions League. He could make his debut for City against Exeter in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday — Guardiola said Semenyo will be in the squad — and is eligible to play in the English League Cup semifinals, with City playing the first leg at Newcastle on Tuesday.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, right, and Tottenham Hotspur's Joao Palhinha battle for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur in Bournemouth, England, Wednesday Jan. 7, 2026. (Andrew Matthews/PA via AP)

Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo takes a thro in during the English Premier League soccer match between Bournemouth and Arsenal in Bournemouth, England, Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)