Rockets Blast Pelicans 146-117, to Begin Homestand
Balanced Attack. Swept the Birds. Lost Prayer.
Led by a balanced offensive attack, the Rockets demolished the Pelicans, 146-117, on Saturday night at Toyota Center. The win is Houston’s first dub to start this current season-high six game homestand, and the second victory in a row overall for the Rockets. Dillon Brooks was fantastic once again. Houston’s best three-point shooter connected on seven of his eleven attempts from downtown to score 27 points to lead the squad. The Rockets are now 7-2 this season when Brooks scores at least 20 points. Alperen Sengun added 20 points to the offensive explosion. And Aaron Holiday continues to be tremendous in limited minutes off the bench, as he added 20 points as well. Overall, the Rockets had seven players score at least a dozen points. Their 146-point outburst on Saturday night also makes a a season-high for points in game for Houston.
Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 20 points, but the Pelicans never threatened to make this contest competitive. The victory gives the Rockets a 4-0 season-sweep over the New Orleans Pelicans for only the second time in history, as these divisional foes usually concede a game or two to the other. This season, Houston took care of business against New Orleans, and the Rockets will look to do the same in their remaining five games of this homestand upcoming on the schedule.
Unfortunately, Houston suffered some bad news late in this matchup, as Amen Thompson suffered an ankle injury in garbage time, and headed straight to the locker room. Twin finished the night with 15 points, 11 assists, and 9 boards, only one rebound shy of a triple-double. Ime Udoka kept Thompson in the game to try and grab that last board, but the move backfired, as Twin went down and exited the contest. According to several reports, Thompson is expected to miss at least 10-14 days, and will be re-evaluated in one week. It’s severely tough news for a Rockets team that’s already missing their starting point guard, in Fred VanVleet. Thompson is also the defensive anchor of this Houston squad, and the only Rocket who can truly guard any position on the floor… his value is immeasurable. In many cases, Twin would fill in as that playmaker role for FVV. Moving forward, Houston will need other guys to step up, although VanVleet is supposed to be nearing a return to action on the court.
The Rockets will continue this six game homestand as they welcome the Orlando Magic to town for a Monday night matchup. Orlando is the lone team Houston has yet to face this season, as the Rockets will play the Magic once again in Florida in a little over a week. Houston may be short-handed against Orlando, but the Rockets still have enough firepower, and should be able to secure their third straight win on Monday night.