The Houston Rockets emerged victorious with a 133-113 win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night, courtesy of a stellar performance by Jalen Green, who notched an impressive 34 points. Green showcased his scoring prowess with a season-high 22 points in the third quarter alone, finishing the game with a 13-of-22 shooting performance, including 4-for-10 from beyond the arc. Prior to this game, Green had been shooting 31.3% from long range for the season.
Dillon Brooks contributed 26 points for the Rockets, while Alperen Sengun chipped in with 23 points and nine rebounds, aiding the team in securing their 11th home victory of the season. On the other side, Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 28 points, followed by Herb Jones who added 20 points. Unfortunately for New Orleans, this loss marked their fifth consecutive defeat and dropped their road record to a dismal 1-14.
In terms of key takeaways, the Pelicans’ vulnerability in transition defense was evident as they allowed the Rockets to outscore them 26-11 in fast-break points. The absence of key players like Daniel Theis (personal reasons), Zion Williamson, and José Alvarado due to hamstring strains further compounded the Pelicans’ challenges. Conversely, the Rockets capitalized on their three-point shooting proficiency as they shot 43.6% from beyond the arc, making 17 of their 39 attempts. This victory sets the Rockets up for a three-game road trip against Toronto, Charlotte, and New Orleans – facing teams with a combined record of 19-44.
The turning point of the game came in the third quarter when the Rockets embarked on a blistering 15-3 run to establish a commanding 25-point lead, a margin that New Orleans failed to bridge for the remainder of the contest. Highlighting their sharpshooting ability, Houston nailed 7 of 10 three-point attempts in the first quarter alone, equalling their best three-point shooting performance in any quarter this season.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans will return home for a five-game homestand, commencing with a matchup against the Knicks on Saturday night. Meanwhile, the Rockets will hit the road to face the Raptors in Toronto on Sunday. The win against the Pelicans not only solidifies the Rockets’ position as a formidable force at home but also underscores their potential as a dangerous team when they are firing on all cylinders, particularly from long range.
