Rockets Fall to Pelicans as Fourth Quarter Struggles Halt Comeback Attempt

The Houston Rockets cut their double-digit deficit to two points until an appalling fourth quarter resulted in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets had arguably their best offensive performance of the season in a blowout victory against the Los Angeles Lakers Monday night. 

Forty-eight hours later, the Rockets maintained their adequate offensive play against the New Orleans Pelicans for the first three quarters. Unfortunately, Houston's defense declined amid a 110-99 loss to the Pelicans Wednesday night inside the Toyota Center. 

The Pelicans opened the first quarter by connecting on six 3-point field goals. Their sizzling shooting led to a 33-25 lead entering the second period. And by halftime, New Orleans held a 61-54 lead over the Rockets.

The closest the Rockets came at completing a comeback took place during the third quarter. Houston outscored New Orleans 25-23 during the period. And with 1:31 left in the quarter, the Rockets cut their double-digit deficit to two points (79-77).

Unfortunately, the Rockets went scoreless for the next eight minutes while the Pelicans outscored Houston 15-0. The Rockets missed eight consecutive shots to begin the final period.

"I think guys missed shots early and kind of hung their heads," coach Ime Udoka said. "Some guys had tough nights there and didn't play with energy. It's tough when a lot of guys aren't playing well overall. Until Fred (VanVleet) hit that open shot I think [wel got some decent looks. 

"They [Pelicans] dared us to shoot threes tonight and we didn't make them. But even in the first quarter, a few guys struggled and carried it over to the rest of the game, can't have that."

Jalen Green led the Rockets with 31 points, four rebounds and four assists. Cam Whitmore came off the bench and added 17 points on 6 of 12 shooting. Amen Thompson added 10 points and six rebounds.

Four of the Pelicans' five starters scored in double figures. Jonas Valančiūnas led the Pelicans with 25 points and 14 rebounds. Brandon Ingram finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in the win.

Rockets guard Jalen Green drives with the ball as New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum defends during the second quarter at Toyota Center / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Green's hot scoring continues:

Coach Ime Udoka has always raved about Jalen Green's scoring. But when he became coach of the Rockets, Udoka challenged Green to become a more all-around player.

Green has done a better job showcasing his development. But against the Pelicans, the third-year guard had one of his best scoring performances of the season with 31 points. Dating back to the Rockets' victory over the Charlotte Hornets, Green has averaged 25.0 points on 50.7 percent shooting from the field.

Rockets Jalen Green 'Building Brick by Brick' Into an All-Around Player

No Zion Williamson vs. Rockets:

All-Star forward Zion Williamson was a late scratch ahead of the Pelicans' divisional contest against the Rockets. Williamson was ruled out due to a left-foot bone contusion. Since entering the league as the No. 1 pick in 2019, Williamson has played just six games against the Rockets, with two appearances inside the Toyota Center.