The New Orleans Pelicans have now won four consecutive games after their 127-112 win over the Houston Rockets on Sunday.
How It Happened:
In game where Houston was missing three starters, the Pelicans and Rockets exchanged points throughout the entire first quarter. It was a high-scoring opening frame as both teams combined for 73 points.
Houston led 37-36 entering the second quarter. They increased their lead to nine after an 8-0 run to begin the second. E’Twaun Moore’s 3-pointer gave the Pelicans a 52-51 lead with 6:42 remaining in the first half.
Both teams were tied at the halftime break 64-64.
The Rockets led for the entire third quarter, outscoring New Orleans 29-22.
Houston’s largest lead of the game came in the beginning of the fourth quarter. Moore hit four 3-pointers in the final quarter to give the Pelicans a 98-96 lead.
New Orleans never looked back after that run and they closed the game out without relinquishing the lead. The Pelicans capped off the night by outscoring the Rockets 29-16 since Moore gave New Orleans the lead.
The Pelicans outscored the Rockets 41-19 in the fourth to earn their 11th win of the season.
Player of the Game: E’Twaun Moore
Moore scored 25 points off the bench and his four threes to start the fourth quarter gave the Pelicans enough of a momentum boost to close out their Sunday night home game with a win. Lonzo Ball was a close second for “Player of the Game.” Ball recorded 27 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. He also recorded a career-high seven 3-pointers.
Big Number: 41
After getting outscored in the third quarter, the Pelicans scored 41 points in the final 12 minutes to extend their winning streak to four games.
Up Next: On the road vs the Los Angeles Lakers, Friday Jan. 3; Tipoff scheduled for 9:30 p.m.