Herb Jones Joins Elite Company as Pelicans Rally From 25 Down to Stun Rockets
In a season that’s been more about grit than glory for the New Orleans Pelicans, Thursday night offered a rare and much-needed dose of both. Facing a 25-point deficit against a surging Houston Rockets squad, the Pelicans dug deep, clawed back, and pulled off a stunning 133-128 overtime win.
And at the heart of it all? Herb Jones, who turned in a performance that etched his name alongside a franchise legend.
Jones, now in his fifth season with New Orleans, has built a reputation as one of the league’s more underrated two-way players. His defensive instincts have always been his calling card, but against Houston, he showcased the full breadth of his game - and made some history along the way.
In 38 minutes of action, Jones racked up 18 points, eight steals, three rebounds, three assists, and a block. He shot 50% from the field (7-of-14), knocked down a pair of threes, and was perfect from the line.
The eight steals weren’t just a personal best - they tied him with Chris Paul as the only players in franchise history to record that many in a single game. That’s not just good company.
That’s elite company.
But Jones’ effort was only part of a bigger story. This was a game that looked lost early.
The Rockets came out firing, building a 25-point cushion and controlling the pace through much of the first half. But New Orleans refused to fold.
They outscored Houston 74-52 in the second half, then kept the pressure on in overtime, winning the extra frame 14-9.
What flipped the script? Two things: free throws and turnovers.
The Pelicans were sharp at the stripe, hitting 24 of their attempts, and they took care of the ball, committing just 12 turnovers. Houston, on the other hand, gave it away 20 times and left points at the line, converting only 18 free throws.
In a game this close, those margins mattered.
Jones was one of five Pelicans to score in double figures, part of a balanced offensive effort that helped fuel the comeback. Saddiq Bey led the charge with 29 points and nine rebounds, shooting a red-hot 11-of-18 from the field and 3-of-5 from deep.
He also added two steals and an assist in a strong all-around showing. Trey Murphy III followed with 27 points and three boards, while rookie big man Derik Queen posted a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
Jordan Poole chipped in 15 points and three steals off the bench.
Herb Jones vs Houston:
— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 19, 2025
8 STL (!!!)
18 PTS
+20
The first player in franchise history since Chris Paul with 8+ steals in a game. pic.twitter.com/2HfCA3FbiQ
It was the kind of team win that’s been hard to come by this season. Even with the victory, New Orleans sits at 6-22, still at the bottom of the Western Conference. They trail the Clippers by just half a game and the Kings by one, but after stringing together three straight wins, the Pelicans are finally showing signs of life.
Next up, they’ll try to keep the momentum rolling at home when they host the Indiana Pacers on Dec. 20.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET.
It’s been a long road for the Pelicans this season, but if Thursday night is any indication, they’re not done fighting. And with Herb Jones leading the charge on both ends of the floor, they’ve got a reason to believe.