New Orleans Pelicans at Toyota Center: Did the fourth-quarter surge catch the Houston Rockets leaning?

The New Orleans Pelicans left Houston at 22-46 after a 107-105 result against the Houston Rockets, and the Rockets moved to 41-25. The New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets final score reflected a game with 8 ties and 9 lead changes at Toyota Center.

First quarter

The New Orleans Pelicans opened with 24 points in the first quarter while the Rockets scored 28 points. The Pels hit 44 percent from the field for the game, and that early gap matched a night in which Houston held an 11-point biggest lead.

Second quarter

The Pelicans added 25 points in the second quarter as the Rockets put up 29 points before halftime. Trey Murphy III recorded 7 assists, and the Pelicans finished with 19 assists as a team against Houston’s 25.

Third quarter

The Pelicans scored 23 points in the third quarter and the Rockets also scored 23 points in the third quarter. Zion Williamson finished with 21 points, and the Pelicans generated 48 points in the paint on 46 percent shooting inside the arc.

Fourth quarter

The Pelicans posted 33 points in the fourth quarter while the Rockets scored 27 points in the fourth quarter, and that late push stood out among the game-changing plays New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets. Dejounte Murray delivered 35 points, and the Pelicans made 13 3-pointers at 41 percent to keep pace with Houston’s 14 makes from deep.

Tactical snapshot

The New Orleans Pelicans vs Houston Rockets tactical recap included New Orleans winning the glass 54-59 on total rebounds while producing 18 second-chance points off 15 offensive rebounds. The Pelicans also created 17 points off turnovers, and Houston countered with 15 fast-break points and 8 blocks to protect the lead it held for 39:23.

What it means and what is next

The New Orleans Pelicans coach post-game reaction followed a night when the Pelicans committed 13 turnovers and the Rockets committed 12 turnovers in a 93.44-to-95.48 possession game. The Pelicans are scheduled to host the Dallas Mavericks at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans at 8:00 PM EDT on March 16, 2026, with coverage on KFAA, Gulf Coast Sports, and Pelicans+. Keep it locked for the next recap, and share this article with other Pelicans fans.