NEW ORLEANS — In an impressive display, Jalen Green scored 30 points in under 30 minutes, leading the Houston Rockets to a comfortable 128-111 triumph over the injury-riddled New Orleans Pelicans on Thursday evening.

Fred VanVleet also had a standout performance, sinking seven 3-pointers and concluding the night with 25 points. This victory marked the Rockets’ fourth consecutive win, as they continue to gain momentum with six victories in their last seven games, pushing them into second place in the tough Western Conference.

Cam Whitmore contributed significantly off the bench with 27 points, while center Alperen Sangun recorded a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. The Rockets built a commanding lead of 30 points during the second half and opted to rest their starters for the majority of the fourth quarter once the game seemed firmly in hand.

For the Pelicans, Trey Murphy was the leading scorer with 21 points, but the team continues to struggle, having lost eight straight games and 17 of their last 18 contests.

Brandon Boston and Dejounte Murray chipped in with 17 points each, while CJ McCollum added 13 points. Like the Rockets, New Orleans kept their starters’ playing time to 31 minutes or less as the game drifted into non-competitiveness.

**Key Takeaways**

**Rockets:** Houston’s strong form was apparent right from the outset, as they never trailed throughout the game, establishing a lead of 17 points in the opening quarter and 21 points by halftime.

**Pelicans:** The team has been significantly hampered by injuries, with Zion Williamson sidelined for 22 games, during which New Orleans has managed to win just two. Additionally, Brandon Ingram has missed his seventh consecutive game and 13 games this season, with the Pelicans failing to secure a win in any of the 13 games without him.

**Key Moment:** Early in the third quarter, Green and VanVleet each hit two 3-pointers around a dunk by Sengun, propelling the Rockets to a 75-51 lead.

**Key Stat:** The trio of VanVleet, Green, and Whitmore shot a combined 17 for 31 from beyond the arc. Overall, the Rockets finished the game shooting 18 of 47 (38.3%) from 3-point range.

**Upcoming Games:** The Rockets will be back in action at home against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, while the Pelicans are set to host the Memphis Grizzlies on the same evening.