The Houston Rockets made a statement at the Smoothie King Center, ensuring there was no repeat of their last visit when they squandered a 25-point lead to the New Orleans Pelicans. This time, they dominated from start to finish, cruising to a 134-102 victory-a win that matched the Pelicans' worst home loss of the season.
Alperen Sengun was the star of the show, putting up 36 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. His performance was a masterclass in efficiency and versatility, as he hit 12 of 23 from the field, including 5 of 7 from beyond the arc, and added seven assists, three steals, and three blocks in under 32 minutes. His impact was undeniable, drawing praise from Pelicans interim head coach James Borrego, who acknowledged Sengun as one of the top centers in the league.
The Rockets, now 45-20, showcased their depth with four other players scoring in double figures. Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. each contributed 20 points, while former LSU standout Tari Eason added 15, and Amen Thompson chipped in 14. Houston's dominance on the glass was evident, as they out-rebounded New Orleans 59-36, with Clint Capela matching Sengun's 14 rebounds in just 16 minutes of action.
New Orleans struggled to keep up, with Saddiq Bey leading the team with 18 points and seven rebounds. The Pelicans were outmatched in the paint and on the boards, leading to a significant 31-10 disparity in second-chance points in favor of Houston.
Despite a valiant effort to close the gap, the Pelicans fell short. They managed to cut the deficit to 13 points in the third quarter, but the Rockets quickly regained control, extending their lead to 101-80 by the end of the third. The fourth quarter saw Houston's advantage balloon to as many as 33 points.
For New Orleans, the loss marked their fifth consecutive defeat. With key scorer Trey Murphy sidelined due to an ankle sprain, the Pelicans struggled to find rhythm and consistency. As they prepare for upcoming road games against Portland and Sacramento, they'll need to regroup and refocus to end the season on a positive note.
The Rockets, meanwhile, continue to solidify their position as a formidable force in the league, with their rebounding prowess and balanced scoring attack putting the rest of the NBA on notice.