Late Rocket Burst Catches Clippers

HOUSTON — Akeem Olajuwon had 22 points and 15 rebounds and Kenny Smith added 21 points and eight assists to power the Houston Rockets to a 94-93 exhibition victory over the Clippers Friday night.

Ken Norman led the Clippers with 22 points, and Benoit Benjamin had 17 points and 18 rebounds.

The Clippers led, 28-25, after the first quarter, 49-48 at halftime and by 73-71 after three quarters.

But with 7:27 to play and the Clippers leading, 84-75, starters Olajuwon, Otis Thorpe and Smith returned to the game and the Rockets outscored the Clippers, 19-9, down the stretch.

The Rockets improved their exhibition season record to 6-2, while the Clippers fell to 2-5.