Houston Rockets secured a 107-105 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday at Toyota Center, moving into third place in the tightly packed Western Conference.
Kevin Durant scored 32 points, including a go-ahead 18-footer with 7.6 seconds left, and added six rebounds and five assists to lead the Rockets.
Amen Thompson contributed 23 points, while Reed Sheppard scored 18 and Jabari Smith Jr. added 16 as Houston opened a five-game homestand with a win.
Dejounte Murray led New Orleans with 35 points, shooting 14-of-18 from the field, but a critical misstep stepping out of bounds with 13 seconds left cost the Pelicans the lead.
Zion Williamson added 21 points for the Pelicans, who had won three of their previous four games and were seeking a third straight victory.
The Pelicans briefly held a one-point lead late in the fourth quarter before Durant’s jumper put Houston ahead, and two subsequent free throws extended the lead and sealed the win.
Houston overcame uneven shooting, finishing 40-of-94 from the field and 14-of-41 from three-point range, relying on Durant’s efficiency and inside presence.
Clint Capela contributed eight rebounds, while the Rockets totaled 52 rebounds to maintain control in the paint against New Orleans’ 48.
The victory improved Houston to 41-25, surpassing the Los Angeles Lakers for the third spot in the West and keeping them in strong position for home-court advantage.
New Orleans dropped to 22-46 despite Murray’s shooting and Williamson’s scoring, remaining in the lower tier of the conference standings.
Houston will continue its homestand against the Lakers on Monday and Wednesday, while the Pelicans host the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.
