Jabari Smith Jr. Lifts Rockets To Comeback Victory Over Pelicans

Jabari Smith Jr.'s game-winning shot sends the Houston Rockets to a third straight victory in a comeback win over the Pelicans.

HOUSTON — Before Friday night's contest against the New Orleans Pelicans, coach Stephen Silas expressed what a three-game winning streak would mean to the Houston Rockets. 

And with a 114-112 victory over the Pelicans inside the Toyota Center, the Rockets met Silas' expectations due to Jabari Smith Jr.'s game-winning basket. Smith finished the night with 11 points and eight rebounds. Smith scored the go-ahead basket over the top of Pelicans' forward Naji Marshall.

New Orleans jumped out to an early 17-7 lead three minutes into the first quarter. But by the end of the period, the Rockets held a 31-26 lead. 

Houston was able to cut into the Pelicans' lead by closing the quarter on a 24-9 run. And due to extending their run to 29-9, the Rockets held an eight-point advantage (34-26) with 11 minutes and 42 seconds left in the second quarter. 

The Pelicans began to pick up their physicality on both ends. New Orleans' physical play led to the Rockets losing momentum and their focus. 

Jonas Valanciunas became the enforcer for the Pelicans. He finished the game with 22 points and 15 rebounds. Brandon Ingram led the way for New Orleans with 31 points.

On the offensive end, eight of Houston's 13 turnovers came during the second quarter. 

The Rockets' inability to take care of the ball led to them trailing 54-49 at the half. And on the defensive end, fouls called in favor of the Pelicans led to a 90-80 lead for New Orleans entering the fourth quarter. But the Rockets were able to regain their momentum in the final period. 

A 14-2 run led to Houston trailing 101-98 with 5 minutes and 14 seconds left in the period. And following a pair of free-throws by K.J. Martin, the Rockets trailed the Pelicans 103-102 at the 4:07 mark of the period. 

Martin finished the night with 14 points, while Alperen Sengun added 17 points and 11 rebounds.

With the Rockets trailing the Pelicans 112-109, Jalen Green connected on a jumper to pull Houston within a point (112-111) with four seconds left in the quarter. 

Green led the way for the Rockets with 25 points on 10-for-20 shooting, six rebounds and six assists. Kevin Porter Jr. added 20 points (6-14 FG, 5-12 3PT), four assists and three rebounds in the win.

Losing vs. the Pelicans ends:

By defeating the Pelicans, the Rockets ended a five-game losing streak to New Orleans. 

December 5, 2021, marked the last time Houston defeated its I-10 east rivals in a 118-108 victory. Eric Gordon and Christian Wood led the way for the Rockets by scoring 23 points separately.

Pelicans lead 2-1 regular-series vs Rockets:

With the win, the Rockets now trail the Pelicans 2-1 in their four-game regular season series.

Up Next:

The Rockets will conclude their two-game mini-series Sunday against the Pelicans and end their six-game homestand Monday night against the Golden State Warriors. Houston will then embark on a five-game road trip, which will begin against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 22.

---

You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

Want the latest in news and insider information on the Houston Rockets? Click here

Follow Inside the Rockets on Facebook here

Follow Inside the Rockets on Twitter @InsideRocketsFN

Want even more Houston Rockets news? Check out the SI.com team page here