Houston Rockets defeats New Orleans Pelicans 107-105

Houston Rockets Edge Out Pelicans in Thrilling Contest

The Houston Rockets narrowly defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 107-105 in a back-and-forth battle at the Toyota Center on March 13, 2026. A late surge from New Orleans wasn't enough to overcome a strong performance from the Rockets, who held on for a hard-fought victory in the 2025 regular season matchup. The game went down to the wire, with both teams trading baskets in the final minutes.

Game Flow

The first quarter saw the Houston Rockets come out strong, establishing an early lead with aggressive drives to the basket and solid perimeter shooting. The Rockets ended the first frame with a 28-24 advantage. The second quarter continued the Rockets' momentum, as they extended their lead through efficient offense and stifling defense, finishing the half leading 57-49. Q2: HOU 29 - 25 NOP.

The third quarter was a more even affair, with both teams trading blows. New Orleans found some rhythm offensively, but Houston answered every challenge, keeping the game competitive. Neither team could truly pull away, and the quarter ended in a 23-23 tie, maintaining Houston’s eight-point lead heading into the fourth. Q3: HOU 23 - 23 NOP.

The final quarter witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum. New Orleans exploded offensively, led by a series of clutch shots from their guards. They chipped away at the Rockets' lead and eventually took a narrow advantage with under two minutes to play. Houston responded with key baskets of their own, retaking the lead in the final 30 seconds. A missed three-pointer by New Orleans as time expired sealed the victory for the Rockets despite being outscored 33-27 in the fourth quarter. Q4: HOU 27 - 33 NOP. Final: HOU 107 - 105 NOP.

Highlight Players

Jalen Green led the Rockets with a stellar performance, finishing with 32 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. He was particularly effective driving to the basket and drawing fouls, consistently keeping the Pelicans' defense on their heels. Green shot 11-of-22 from the field, including 4-of-9 from three-point range.

Alperen Şengün had a dominant showing in the paint, contributing a double-double of 22 points and 15 rebounds. Şengün was a force on both ends of the court, providing crucial rebounding and interior defense while also displaying his developing offensive game. He added 3 assists and 2 blocks to his stat line.

For the New Orleans Pelicans, Zion Williamson put up a valiant effort, scoring 30 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing out 5 assists. Williamson showcased his power and athleticism, but ultimately, his efforts weren't enough to overcome the Rockets’ balanced attack. He shot 12-of-24 from the field and 6-of-8 from the free-throw line.

Team Stats Breakdown

The Houston Rockets shot 48.2% from the field (42-of-87) and 36.4% from three-point range (12-of-33). They dominated the boards, securing 52 rebounds compared to the Pelicans’ 40. Houston also recorded 28 assists while committing 15 turnovers. Points in the paint were heavily favored towards Houston, with a significant 66 points scored inside compared to New Orleans’ 48.

The New Orleans Pelicans shot 45.1% from the field (41-of-91) and 33.3% from beyond the arc (10-of-30). They had 24 assists and 14 turnovers. Despite a strong showing from Williamson, the Pelicans struggled to consistently generate offense outside of their star player. They also committed fewer fouls, resulting in fewer free throw opportunities.

Houston Rockets: FG% 48.2%, 3P% 36.4%, FT% 75.0%, Rebounds 52, Assists 28, Turnovers 15, Points in the Paint 66, Second Chance Points 14, Fast Break Points 18.

New Orleans Pelicans: FG% 45.1%, 3P% 33.3%, FT% 72.7%, Rebounds 40, Assists 24, Turnovers 14, Points in the Paint 48, Second Chance Points 8, Fast Break Points 12.

Next Game Preview

The Houston Rockets will look to continue their momentum as they host the Los Angeles Lakers on March 16, 2026. This will be a tough test for the Rockets against a Lakers team looking to solidify their playoff position. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM CST at the Toyota Center. Expect a high-scoring affair and a physical battle between two of the Western Conference's top teams.