Jalen Green delivered a standout performance, scoring 34 points to lead the Houston Rockets (18-9) to a commanding 133-113 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans (5-23) on Thursday night. Green’s season-high 22 points in the third quarter propelled Houston to their 11th home win of the season.
The Rockets opened the second half with a 15-3 run, quickly building a 25-point advantage that proved insurmountable for the Pelicans. Houston shot 17-for-39 from beyond the arc, a 43.6% success rate, including four triples from Green.
Dillon Brooks contributed 26 points, while Alperen Şengün added 23 points and nine rebounds. Fred VanVleet facilitated the offense with nine assists, helping Houston maintain their strong home record of 11-3.
For New Orleans, Trey Murphy III led the scoring with 28 points, while Herb Jones added 20. However, the Pelicans’ defensive struggles were evident, as they allowed Houston to dominate in transition, conceding 26 fast-break points.
The Pelicans, who entered the game with the NBA’s second-worst fast-break defense, continued their road struggles, falling to 1-14 away from home. New Orleans also faced significant absences, with Zion Williamson, Jose Alvarado, and Daniel Theis unavailable.
Houston’s early 3-point barrage set the tone, as the team tied their season high with seven made triples in the first quarter. This offensive efficiency carried throughout the game, with the Rockets shooting 57.5% overall.
Despite the loss, New Orleans received solid contributions from its bench, including Trey Jemison’s six rebounds in limited minutes. Yet, their 12 turnovers and inability to contain Houston’s perimeter shooting proved costly.
With an 18-9 record, Houston has solidified its place as one of the league’s rising teams, fueled by Green’s emergence as a consistent scorer.
