HOUSTON (AP) — Dillon Brooks scored 27 points, while Alperen Sengun and Aaron Holiday contributed 20 points each as the Houston Rockets cruised to a 146-117 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. The Rockets maintained control throughout the game, securing their second consecutive win against the Pelicans following a 109-97 victory in New Orleans on Thursday.
CJ McCollum’s 3-pointer cut the Pelicans’ deficit to 11 points just before halftime, but a timely 3-pointer from Brooks, coupled with a Pelicans turnover, swung the momentum back in Houston’s favor. The Rockets capitalized on this, ending the second quarter strong and starting the third with an 8-4 run to establish a commanding 82-62 lead.
Heading into the final quarter with a 26-point advantage, the Rockets further extended their lead with an 8-2 run, making it 117-85 with 10 minutes remaining. Amen Thompson of the Rockets nearly achieved a triple-double with 15 points and 11 assists before leaving the game due to injury late in the fourth quarter.
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 20 points, while Jose Alvarado and CJ McCollum each added 17 points off the bench. The Pelicans struggled throughout the game, losing for the fourth time in their last five outings.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans will face the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night, while the Rockets will host the Orlando Magic on Monday night. The Rockets, now 7-2 in games where Brooks scores 20 points or more, aim to capitalize on their recent success and climb the Western Conference standings after dropping to fifth place amidst a recent rough patch.
(AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba)
