Rockets Fly Past Pelicans, 109-97, to End Skid
Snapped. The Flying Twin. Final Four Lockdown.
The Rockets snapped their three game losing streak with a 109-97 victory over in New Orleans over the Pelicans on Thursday night. The win also puts an end to Houston’s eight game road skid, as the Rockets hadn’t won a road game since late January before beating the Pels in the Big Easy. Houston trailed by three points at halftime but used a dominant third quarter to take a 15 point lead heading into the fourth quarter. Fueled by their All-Star and the Terror Twins, the Rockets outscored the Pelicans, 33-15, in the third period, as Houston took control of the game.
Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 22 points, 6 boards, and eight assists. And the Terror Twins were a haunting duo in New Orleans. Amen Thompson provided 21 points and 11 rebounds, whilst Tari Eason contributed 20 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Twin had some incredible dunks as well, as Thompson was flying throughout the game, catching lobs and making incredible dunks in transition. Dillon Brooks continues to have the best season of his career, particularly offensively. The Villain scored 14 points on an efficient 6-for-9 shooting, despite going only 1-for-4 from beyond the arc. And Jabari Smith Jr. keeps on embracing a reserve role for Houston. Bari contributed 16 points and 5 rebounds off the bench for the Rockets.Trey Murphy II led the Pelicans with 26 points, and Houston did a solid job containing Zion Williamson, as the Rockets held the superstar to only 20 points and 10 rebounds for the night.
Despite holding a 15 point edge entering the final frame, Houston once again let their opponent back in the contest. Even in wins, the Rockets fourth quarter struggles continued, as the squad managed to score only 20 points in the final and most important period of the game. New Orleans made the affairs interesting, cutting Houston’s edge to only seven points, 100-93, with around five minutes remaining. Thankfully, the Rockets used some lockdown defense to keep the Pelicans at bay to earn the win. Houston’s defense allowed New Orleans to score only four points in the final four minutes of the contest, as the Rockets put an end to their road woes on Thursday night in the Big Easy.
Up next for Houston, the Rockets return home for their longest homestand of this entire season. Houston’s next six games will all be at Toyota Center, beginning with a rematch against these same Pelicans on Saturday night. As the Rockets displayed in snapping their road skid in New Orleans, they should be able to handle the Pels back in Houston, as these divisional foes prepare to face-off for a rematch on Saturday night.