Clippers Beat Houston, 115-110; Walton Sets Appearance Mark
Marques Johnson scored 24 points, including 20 in the first half, to lead the Clippers to a 115-110 win over the Houston Rockets Friday night as Bill Walton reached a personal milestone of sorts.
Walton, who has been hampered by injuries throughout his pro career, appeared in his 66th Clipper game of 1984-85, the most ever for him in one season. His previous best was 65 games, set during Portland’s 1976-77 championship season.
Johnson connected on 10 of 12 shots in the first half as the Clippers took a 66-56 lead.
Houston outscored the Clippers, 10-4, in the first three minutes of the third period to cut the deficit to 70-66. But the Clippers pulled ahead, 93-83, outscoring Houston, 8-2, in the final two minutes of the period.
The Clippers dominated the boards early in the fourth quarter, increasing their lead to 107-88. The Rockets battled back to pull within five points behind the shooting of Robert Reid, who chipped in 10 points.
Michael Cage contributed 21 points, and Norm Nixon added 19 points and 16 assists for the Clippers.
The playoff-bound Rockets were paced by Ralph Sampson with 19 points.
The Clippers got their winning edge at the free-throw line, hitting 21 of 29 shots. The Rockets made 4 of 10.
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