Rockets Use Big 2nd Half In Win Against Pelicans

For a change, the Houston Rockets used a balanced attack to net the 108-101 win over the visiting New Orleans Pelicans. James Harden led the way with 24 points but had five other teammates scoring in double-figures as the Rockets are starting to recover this season, winning three of their last four games.

Houston had three bench players, Terrence Jones (15 points), Ty Lawson (12 points and 6 assists) and Corey Brewer (14 points), score in double digits as the Rockets came back down from a 36-22 deficit in the first quarter. Trevor Ariza had 13 points while Dwight Howard scored only 8 points but grabbed 16 rebounds and had 3 blocked shots.

Houston won the game thanks to a great effort in the second half, outscoring the Pelicans 36-32 in the third and 24-19 in the final quarter. New Orleans had the 87-86 lead with 8:29 to go in the game but a 10-0 blast from the Rockets opened up the game as Houston cruised to the victory.

The Pelicans were led by double-doubles from franchise player Anthony Davis, who had 29 points and 13 rebounds and Ryan Anderson, who came off the bench to post 19 points and 10 rebounds. However, the New Orleans’ starting backcourt of Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans combined to shoot just 6-of-19 field goals.

The Pelicans dropped to 4-15 for the season and are currently on a four-game losing skid. New Orleans host the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards in their next three outings. Meanwhile, the Rockets will travel to Dallas to face their Texas rivals, the Mavericks Friday.