The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Houston Rockets 133–128 at the Smoothie King Center. The game took place on Thursday, December 18, 2025. The Pelicans outscored the Rockets in the final quarter to secure the win.

In the game, Saddiq Bey stood out for the Pelicans with 29 points and 9 rebounds. On the Rockets’ side, Kevin Durant scored 32 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Both teams showed strong performances, but the Pelicans came out on top.

The Houston Rockets started strong in the first quarter, putting up 33 points while holding the New Orleans Pelicans to 24. In the second quarter, the Rockets continued their momentum, scoring 34 points compared to the Pelicans’ 21. By halftime, the Rockets had a solid lead with a score of 67-45.

The Pelicans rallied in the second half. They scored 38 points in the third quarter, cutting the Rockets’ lead to just 11 points. In the fourth quarter, the Pelicans surged ahead with 36 points, while the Rockets managed only 20. The Pelicans ended the game with a 133-128 victory, overcoming a 22-point halftime deficit. Their strong shooting and fewer turnovers played a key role in their comeback.

• Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 32 points. He shot 12 of 15 from the field and grabbed 7 rebounds. His performance stood out in the game.
• Alperen Sengün also had a strong game for Houston. He scored 28 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. Sengün also dished out 8 assists.

• Amen Thompson added 23 points for the Rockets. He was efficient, hitting 11 of 14 shots. He also contributed with 6 rebounds and 4 assists.

• Saddiq Bey was key for the Pelicans with 29 points. He also had 9 rebounds. Bey made 11 of 18 shots to help his team win.
• Derik Queen played well for New Orleans, scoring 16 points. He also grabbed 12 rebounds and added 3 assists.

What’s Next

The Houston Rockets hold a record of 16-7, placing them fifth in the Western Conference. Despite their loss to the Pelicans, they remain in a strong position in the standings. They will look to bounce back in their next game.

The New Orleans Pelicans, with a record of 5-22, are at the bottom of the Western Conference. This win against the Rockets gives them a slight boost, but they have a long way to go in the season. Their next game will be another opportunity to improve their standing.

The Houston Rockets will play their next game on Saturday, December 20. They will face the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. The game is scheduled to start at 5:00 PM.

The New Orleans Pelicans are also set to play on Saturday, December 20. They will be at home against the Indiana Pacers. The game will take place at the Smoothie King Center, starting at 7:00 PM.

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