On October 15th , the NBA preseason continued, with the Houston Rockets securing a thrilling 130-128 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. The game was intense, with a physical altercation erupting between Smith and Alvarado.

In the first quarter, Durant struggled, missing consecutive mid-range shots. The Pelicans, relying on Zion's interior dominance and Poole's outside three-pointers, took the lead. For the Rockets, Amen Thompson hit a three-pointer to stabilize the game, while Smith and Eason scored consecutively to close the gap. At the end of the first quarter, the Rockets trailed 26-28 .

In the second quarter, Durant gradually found his touch, hitting three mid-range shots and scoring at the rim. Smith continued to fire from the perimeter, and Eason scored several strong baskets. The Pelicans' Poole and Murphy responded with long-range shots, but Thompson's driving drive helped the Rockets take a 60-59 lead at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Rockets exploded. Durant hit a mid-range shot, Thompson and Smith hit consecutive three-pointers, and Eason scored 6 points in the paint. The Rockets extended their lead to 42-29 in the quarter . In the final quarter, Holiday hit a near buzzer-beater, and the Rockets won 130-128 .

Pelicans player stats

Jeremiah Fells had 20 points, 6 rebounds , 4 assists and 2 steals; Herbert Jones had 10 points and 2 rebounds; Trey Murphy III had 11 points , 4 rebounds and 2 steals; Zion Williamson had 13 points , 4 assists and 4 steals; Saddiq Bey had 16 points and 5 rebounds; Jordan Hawkins had 13 points and 2 rebounds.

Rockets player statistics

Kevin Durant had 15 points and 4 rebounds; Armen Thompson had 21 points and 5 rebounds; Jabari Smith Jr. had 26 points and 5 rebounds; Alperen Shin - kyung had 8 points, 12 rebounds , 7 assists and 2 steals; Reid Sheppard had 13 points and 3 rebounds; Tari Eason had 20 points and 2 steals .