LOS ANGELES – The star players took turns making plays that capture their greatness. The feisty players took turns yapping at each other and officials.

And once the Houston Rockets clinched a 122-117 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday at Staples Center, one thing became abundantly clear: Both teams provided plenty of evidence that suggests that the heated rivalry is in full-tilt and to expect a close and contentious series come playoff time.

“Protect the tunnels,” Clippers coach Doc Rivers joked. “We do that, I think everything’s going to be good. I don’t know what it is. But it is something there, there’s no doubt about it. Let’s keep playing them. I’m all for it.”

The rivalry has been brewing for some time. Nothing captured that more than two years ago when former Rockets guard Chris Paul led his teammates into the Clippers’ locker room after they became irritated with Blake Griffin for both his on-court trash talk and for running into Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni on the sideline. Hence, Rivers’ joke about protecting the supposed tunnels that Paul snuck through after the game.

Both the Clippers and Rockets have significantly different rosters since then. And yet, they still have all the ingredients for a feisty rivalry. Though they remain amicable after the Oklahoma City Thunder dealt them in separate deals last summer, Houston’s Russell Westbrook (40 points) and the Clippers’ Paul George (34) took turns outperforming each other.

Rockets guard Russell Westbrook reacts after scoring a three pointer in the second half. (Photo: Gary A. Vasquez, USA TODAY Sports)

In fairness, George has the right perspective on this rivalry.

“We ain’t won a chip. Houston ain’t won it forever. It’s got to be a little bit more to be a rivalry,” George said. “Both teams are competing. But it’s got to be a little bit more there.”

There is enough, though, to know what is coming next.

In the Clippers’ first loss to Houston on Nov. 13, Rockets guard Austin Rivers motioned to the officials to issue a technical to his dad. They eventually listened. Westbrook critiqued Patrick Beverley’s defensive credentials and considered him a flopper. The Clippers rectified that game nine days later. George and Leonard played with each other for just the second time. Harden dismissed the Clippers’ constant trapping at half-court. D’Antoni questioned why officials did not punish Doc Rivers for walking on the court to call a timeout during crunch time. And on Thursday, the Rockets overcame a 15-point half-time deficit because of Westbrook’s aggressiveness and the Clippers’ failure to handle adversity well.

“It’s a dog fight and it’s tough,” D’Antoni said. “They’re really good. It’s a heck of a battle. It’s some heavyweights slugging it out. I’m sure the fourth will be the same way, and then we’ll see what happens.”

"A lot of talent on the floor. A lot of people competing," Westbrook said after the game. "A lot of people talking. A lot of antics going on. People like to see that."

Perhaps the bitterness will continue when the Clippers (19-9) and Rockets (21-9) compete again on March 5. That will not be likely the last time they meet, though. They could meet in the Western Conference semifinals. And though the Clippers have been considered favorites to win the NBA championships, the Rockets have a chance to upset them or at least make it a tiring series.

“Everyone knows we’re two of the best teams in the league. These matchups are always on national TV," Houston forward P.J. Tucker said. “We love that. Our bad games are when we play boring games and nobody is paying attention. When the stakes are high and it's good teams, we always show up and play hard.”

The second half began with Westbrook demanding for officials to bring out a ladder to confirm that the rim stood at 10 feet and was not lopsided. The second half ended with Westbrook and Beverley receiving double technicals after Westbrook talked trash toward Beverley after he fouled out. Westbrook offered zero regret for any of the incidents despite Harden lecturing him. Yet, D'Antoni contended he does not need to address his players on how to behave. 

“They know how to do it. They can live on the edge,” D’Antoni said. “They understand the importance of every play. They police themselves pretty good.”

George blamed himself for not guiding the Clippers through adversity. But that should not fall on a player that did not allow his emotions to overwhelm him.  

“We're a pretty calm group, but it happens. It's a good lesson, maybe,” Rivers said. “I'd rather for it to happen now than in the fourth quarter of a playoff game.”

After all, the Rockets and Clippers will likely meet in the playoffs in about five months. Then, a similar episode might unfold as it did on Thursday.

Follow USA TODAY NBA writer Mark Medina on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. 

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