CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson led the New Orleans Pelicans (34-22) to a commanding 127-105 win over the Houston Rockets (24-31) on Thursday night, securing their eighth victory in nine games.
With Williamson leading the charge with 27 points and nine assists, and McCollum adding 28 points, the Pelicans asserted their dominance early, building a sizable lead that the Rockets struggled to overcome.
Despite missing Brandon Ingram due to illness, New Orleans received strong contributions from Jonas Valanciunas, who posted a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds, and Herb Jones, who contributed 17 points and a career-high seven steals.
Houston, unable to find an answer for the Pelicans’ offensive firepower, faltered down the stretch, losing their sixth game in seven outings and falling behind early in the contest.
Rookie Amen Thompson impressed for the Rockets with a season-high 22 points, while Alperen Sengun contributed 20 points, nine rebounds, but struggled to contain New Orleans’ relentless attack.
