The New Orleans Pelicans pulled off a stunning comeback, overcoming a 25-point deficit in the third quarter to defeat the Houston Rockets 133-128 in overtime on Thursday night. Saddiq Bey led the charge with 29 points, including 21 after halftime, while Trey Murphy and Herb Jones contributed 27 and 18 points, respectively. The Pelicans' victory marked a turning point in their season, as they've now won three straight games after a slow start, winning just three of their first 25 games.
The Rockets, led by Kevin Durant's 32 points and Alperen Sengun's 28, struggled in the second half. Sengun missed crucial free throws late in the fourth quarter, allowing the Pelicans to tie the game at 117 with a driving finger roll by Bey. Derik Queen, a rookie, made a significant impact with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks, including an 18-foot jumper that sparked an 11-0 run early in the fourth quarter.
The game began with Houston dominating, as Durant scored 13 points in the first quarter, hitting his first five shots, including three 3-pointers. However, the Pelicans struggled in the paint, missing 20 of 29 shots during the first half. By halftime, the Rockets led 67-45, with Durant having 18 points.
In the third quarter, New Orleans methodically trimmed the deficit to 13 points before entering the fourth quarter trailing 99-83. The Pelicans' resilience and strong second half performance ultimately led to their victory, as they celebrated an unlikely comeback in front of a jubilant crowd.
Looking ahead, the Rockets will face the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, while the Pelicans will host the Indiana Pacers. The Pelicans' recent success and the Rockets' challenges in the second half set the stage for intriguing matchups in the upcoming games.
