January 20th - The Rockets defeated the Pelicans 119-110 . Smith had a standout performance with 32 points and 8 rebounds, while Durant contributed 18 points , 6 rebounds , and 8 assists, achieving a personal milestone and becoming a crucial element in stabilizing the team's morale.

At the start of the game, Smith scored consecutive points with drives and outside shots, helping the Rockets establish a double-digit lead. The Pelicans relied on the offensive power of Williamson and Murphy III to gradually narrow the gap. At the end of the first quarter, the Rockets held a slight advantage of 32-30. In the second quarter, the Rockets continued to extend their lead through fast breaks. Smith added another 12 points in the quarter , and the Rockets once widened their lead to 11 points. The Pelicans narrowed the gap through teamwork. At halftime, the Rockets led 64-54.

After switching sides, the Pelicans' Murphy III scored 12 points in the second quarter, helping his team stay close. The Rockets maintained their advantage thanks to Shen Jing's inside playmaking and Thompson's driving ability. After three quarters, the Rockets led 87-80. In the final quarter, the Rockets' offense stalled at the start, and the Pelicans once narrowed the gap to 5 points. At the crucial moment, Smith scored consecutive points both inside and outside, extending the Rockets' lead to 19 points. Ultimately, the Rockets defeated the Pelicans 119-110.

Pelicans player statistics

Murphy III had 21 points , 3 rebounds , and 4 assists; Williamson had 20 points, 5 rebounds , and 3 assists; Quinn had 15 points , 4 rebounds , and 5 assists; Poole had 13 points , 4 rebounds , and 2 assists; Bey had 11 points , 4 rebounds , and 2 assists; Missy had 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists; Pew had 7 points , 3 rebounds , and 3 assists; Hawkins had 6 points , 3 rebounds, and 2 assists; and Matkovic had 5 points and 3 rebounds .

Rockets player statistics

Smith 32 points , 8 rebounds; Shen Jing 21 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists; Thompson 20 points , 8 rebounds , 6 assists; Durant 18 points , 6 rebounds, 8 assists; Sheppard 11 points, 3 rebounds , 1 assist; Finney - Smith 8 points , 3 rebounds; Adams 5 points , 10 rebounds , 2 assists; Okogie 4 points, 1 rebound , 1 assist