Five takeaways from the Clippers’ 101-96 loss to the Houston Rockets

The Clippers fell from seventh to ninth place in the Western Conference standings with their 101-96 loss to the Rockets on Thursday night in Houston.

Here are five takeaways from the game:

1. Knowing that the Rockets take and make the most three-point shots in the NBA, the Clippers did their best to make it difficult for Houston’s long-range shooters.

Considering the Clippers held the Rockets to 29.3% shooting (12 of 41) from the three-point line, L.A did its job despite the loss.

The one Rocket the Clippers couldn’t contain from long range was reserve guard Eric Gordon, who made seven of nine three-point shots while scoring 23 points off the bench.

The Clippers contained Houston’s other three-point bombers, especially James Harden, who missed six of his eight three-pointers.

2. On the flip side, the Clippers couldn’t make their own three-pointers. They shot 22.2% (four for 18) from three-point range.

Austin Rivers missed all four of his three-point shots, while Lou Williams and Sindarius Thornwell missed each of their two and Jawun Evans and Wesley Johnson their only attempts.

Only Tobias Harris (three for six) and Milos Teodosic (one or two) made three-pointers.

3. To give themselves a chance at winning, the Clippers took care of the basketball. They had only nine turnovers.

Harris, Williams and Montrezl Harrell each had two turnovers.

4. The Clippers were outrebounded 50-45, but what hurt the most was giving up 16 offensive rebounds, including seven for center Clint Capela and four for forward P.J. Tucker.

DeAndre Jordan led the Clippers with 18 boards, Harris had eight and Harrell five.

5. Clippers coach Doc Rivers depended upon his starters a lot against the Rockets. Every starter played at least 34 minutes.

Harris led the way by playing 39 minutes, 44 seconds. Austin (38:55), Thornwell (36:58), Williams (36:28) and Jordan 34:31) were next in line.

broderick.turner@latimes.com

Twitter: @BA_Turner