Jalen Green delivered a masterful performance, scoring 34 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a dominant 133-113 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday night.
Green’s explosive third quarter, where he dropped a season-high 22 points, propelled Houston to their 11th home win in 14 games, solidifying their dominance at the Toyota Center.
The Rockets guard shot 13 of 22 from the field and connected on 4 of his 10 attempts from beyond the arc. His confidence was evident, even as he continues to work on his long-distance shooting, entering the night with a 31.3% clip from three-point range this season.
Houston’s Dillon Brooks added 26 points with his signature defensive tenacity, while Alperen Şengün continued to shine, contributing 23 points and nine rebounds in an all-around performance. The Rockets’ efficient shooting and relentless pace overwhelmed New Orleans, who struggled to keep up, particularly in transition.
Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 28 points, showing off his scoring versatility, while Herb Jones chipped in with 20. However, New Orleans’ woes on the road persisted as they dropped their 14th road game of the season, extending their losing streak to five games.
The Rockets exploited one of the Pelicans’ glaring weaknesses—defending in transition. Coming into the game, New Orleans allowed 19.6 fast-break points per game, the second-highest in the NBA. Houston capitalized with a 26-11 advantage in transition points, effectively sealing the game by halftime.
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The turning point came at the start of the second half. After a relatively even second quarter where both teams scored 27 points, Houston came out of the locker room on a 15-3 run. Their quick burst turned a manageable deficit for the Pelicans into an insurmountable 25-point lead, leaving New Orleans with no answers.
Three-point shooting was another key factor in Houston’s success. The Rockets came out firing in the first quarter, hitting 7 of 10 from deep—tying their season-high for most three-pointers made in a single quarter. They maintained their efficiency throughout, finishing 17 of 39 from beyond the arc for an impressive 43.6%.
On the other hand, New Orleans continued to grapple with injuries and absences. The Pelicans were without center Daniel Theis due to personal reasons, while Zion Williamson and José Alvarado remained sidelined with lingering hamstring strains. The depleted lineup struggled to contain Houston’s offensive firepower and depth.
New Orleans Struggles
The loss highlights New Orleans’ ongoing struggles on the road, where they hold a dismal 1-14 record. The Pelicans have shown flashes of potential but need more consistency, especially defensively, to climb out of their current slump.
Meanwhile, the Rockets showcased why they’ve been such a formidable team at home this season. When their shots are falling, especially from long range, they are difficult to beat. Their ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes and execute in transition adds another layer to their burgeoning confidence.
As Houston embarks on a three-game road trip against Toronto, Charlotte, and New Orleans, they’ll look to carry the momentum from this convincing win. For the Pelicans, a five-game homestand starting Saturday against the Knicks offers a chance to regroup and potentially turn their season around.
Thursday night’s game was a tale of two teams heading in opposite directions. The Rockets continued to assert themselves as a tough opponent at home, while the Pelicans faced yet another setback in what has become a challenging campaign.