Houston Rockets Obliterate New Orleans Pelicans in Preseason Win

The Houston Rockets won their second consecutive preseason game in blowout fashion.

The Houston Rockets won their second consecutive preseason game Thursday night in a 120-87 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. 

Coach Ime Udoka played four of his projected starters over 20 minutes. Jabari Smith Jr. led the way with a game-high 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field, 4-of-5 from behind the arc in 24 minutes. Jalen Green had a bounce-back performance by scoring 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting. 

Alperen Sengun added 12 points, six rebounds and four assists. Amen Thompson came off the bench to score a dozen points in 21 minutes.

As a team, the Rockets shot 52.9 percent from the floor. Houston also connected on 14 triples on 35.9 percent shooting.

Rockets guard Jalen Green dunks for two against the New Orleans Pelicans during an NBA exhibition game at Legacy Arena at BJCC / Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

The Rockets' defensive effort against the Indiana Pacers pleased Udoka. But entering the Legacy Arena in Birmingham, AL, Udoka wanted to see Houston improve their defensive switching.

The Rockets held the Pelicans to 38.6 percent shooting, 35.1 percent from deep. Only Brandon Ingram and C.J. McCollum scored in double figures for New Orleans. Ingram scored 10, while McCollum added a team-high 17 points. 

The second quarter marked Houston's best defensive production. They held the Pelicans to 14 points, which led to a 56-40 halftime lead.

After an ejection disrupted Dillon Brooks' debut Tuesday night, the veteran forward played 22 minutes against the Pelicans. He recorded seven points, three assists and two rebounds in his unofficial debut with the Rockets.

Following their preseason win over the Pelicans, the Rockets will play in a two-game series against the San Antonio Spurs. The first of two contests is set for Monday inside the Frost Bank Center. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. c.t.