Houston Rockets put a Second-Chance Spin on the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center

The Houston Rockets moved to 45-29 with a 134-102 result over the New Orleans Pelicans, who fell to 25-51 at Smoothie King Center.

The Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans final score reflected 18 makes from 44 attempts from 3 for the Rockets and 9 makes from 29 attempts from deep for the Pels.

First quarter

The Rockets and the Pelicans were tied at 29-29 after the opening quarter with 5 ties and 5 lead changes tracked in the game data.

Houston logged 9 steals in the matchup while New Orleans finished with 4 steals.

Second quarter

The Rockets won the second quarter 39-18 while posting 33 assists for the game, and the Pelicans finished with 19 assists.

Houston created 31 second-chance points on 22 offensive rebounds while New Orleans produced 10 second-chance points on 8 offensive rebounds in the Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans key moments.

Third quarter

The Rockets scored 33 in the third quarter and the Pelicans also scored 33 in the third quarter as the margin held after halftime.

Houston ran to 22 fast-break points on 14 fast-break attempts, and New Orleans recorded 17 fast-break points on 12 attempts in the Houston Rockets vs New Orleans Pelicans highlights.

Fourth quarter

The Rockets closed with a 33-22 fourth quarter behind 59 personal rebounds and a 47 percent field-goal mark on 105 attempts.

The Pelicans finished at 43 percent on 86 attempts and went 19-for-28 at the line for 68 percent, while Houston went 18-for-21 for 86 percent in post-game thoughts Houston Rockets.

Player stat line watch

Alperen Sengun’s previous-game line of 36 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists matched the interior-plus-playmaking profile Houston leaned on in this one’s paint-and-kick flow.

Amen Thompson’s previous-game production of 14 points and 5 assists fit Houston’s 33-assist distribution, and Jabari Smith Jr.’s previous-game 20 points aligned with the Rockets’ 18 made 3s.

Houston returns home to Toyota Center to host the New York Knicks on 03/31/2026 at 8:00 PM EDT, with NBC/Peacock and MSG carrying the broadcast.

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