HOUSTON — Jalen Green recorded a commanding performance with 34 points, leading the Houston Rockets to a 133-113 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday evening.
In an impressive display, Green scored a season-best 22 points during the third quarter and finished shooting 13 of 22 overall, including 4 for 10 from three-point range. His shooting from beyond the arc has improved notably as he came into the game with a 31.3% average for the season.
Notably contributing to the Rockets’ success, Dillon Brooks netted 26 points, while Alperen Sengun contributed 23 points and added nine rebounds. With this win, the Rockets strengthened their home record to 11-3.
On the other hand, the Pelicans were led by Trey Murphy III, who scored 28 points, and Herb Jones added 20 points. Unfortunately for New Orleans, this defeat marked their fifth consecutive loss, dropping their record to a troubling 1-14 on the road this season.
Some key observations from the game included the Pelicans’ struggles with fast-break points, allowing an average of 19.6 points per game — the second-most in the league. The Rockets took full advantage of this, outscoring New Orleans 26-11 in fast-break opportunities. Missing from the Pelicans’ lineup were C Daniel Theis due to personal reasons, as well as Zion Williamson and José Alvarado, who are both sidelined with hamstring injuries.
The Rockets demonstrated their offensive prowess when they effectively hit their three-point shots. They are now set to embark on a three-game road trip, facing teams—Toronto, Charlotte, and New Orleans—that have a combined dismal record of 19-44.
A critical moment in the game occurred when both teams scored 27 points in the second quarter; however, the Rockets surged ahead to start the second half with a 15-3 run, establishing a 25-point lead that the Pelicans could not overcome.
In terms of shooting performance, the Rockets excelled, knocking down 7 of 10 three-point attempts in the first quarter, equaling their season high for threes made in any quarter. By the end of the contest, Houston shot 17 of 39 from beyond the arc, resulting in an impressive 43.6% shooting percentage.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans will return to New Orleans for a five-game homestand, with their first matchup against the Knicks on Saturday night, while Houston is scheduled to visit Toronto on Sunday.