The Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers played a first half that would never end Sunday night in Game 4 of their second-round series, mostly thanks to the Rockets' constantly sending Clippers center DeAndre Jordan to the free throw line. The Houston Rockets intentionally fouled Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan 14 times during Game 4 on Sunday, leading to 28 free-throw attempts for Jordan. That broke a 15-year record held by Shaquille O'Neal, who launched 27 free throws against the Portland Trail Blazers in 2000.
Jordan only managed to sink 10 of his 28 attempts, which has to be considered a win for the Rockets. Head coach Kevin McHale played deep bench players for the sole purpose of hacking Jordan. He dusted off rookies Kostas Papanikolaou and Clint Capela, who committed eight fouls in three minutes combined. The record for most free-throw attempts in one game also belongs to O'Neal, who tried 39 attempts in 2000. Given how the first half went, Jordan will likely shatter that record as well. Coming into the game, Jordan has shot just 42.6 percent from the free-throw line across 10 postseason games.
Later in the third, Howard picked up his fourth foul by trying to ensure Blake Griffin didn't posterize him. With Howard forced to sit, the Rockets never got within double digits again. Early in the fourth, he fouled out while also receiving a technical. That highlighted a bigger issue with Howard's play. Since the series reverted to Los Angeles from Houston, the center's productivity has plummeted.
Game 1: Clippers 117, Rockets 101 (Clippers lead 1-0)
Game 2: Rockets 115, Clippers 109 (Series tied 1-1)
Game 3: Clippers 124, Rockets 99 (Clippers lead 2-1)
Game 4: Clippers 128, Rockets 95 (Clippers lead 3-1)
Game 5: Tuesday, May 12, 9:30 p.m. ET
Game 6*: Thursday, May 14, TBD
Game 7*: Sunday, May 17, TBD
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