Rockets' Three-Game Winning Streak Ends With Loss To Pelicans

Jalen Green's 40-point performance isn't enough to prevent the Houston Rockets from sustaining a 117-107 loss to the Pelicans.

HOUSTON — Houston Rockets coach Stephen Silas knew the New Orleans Pelicans would make several adjustments ahead of Sunday night's contest inside the Toyota Center. Silas' belief came to fruition as the Rockets sustained a 117-107 loss to the Pelicans.

Outside of the first five minutes, it was a wire-to-wire loss for the Rockets. Kevin Porter Jr. tied the game at 19 with 5 minutes and 33 seconds left in the first quarter. 

New Orleans outscored Houston 19-9 over the next several minutes, which led to the Rockets trailing 38-28 by the end of the first quarter. He finished the night with 25 points on 7-for-15 shooting, five rebounds and four assists. 

The Pelicans sustained their dominance in the second period. And by halftime, the Rockets found themselves in a 20-point deficit (64-44).

The Rockets suffered a loss to the Pelicans on a night Brandon Ingram had a modest performance with 26 points on 12-for-24 shooting. Five players scored in double-figures for New Orleans. C.J. McCollum added 26 points in the win.

Houston had three players who scored in double-figures. In addition to Porter, Jalen Green led the Rockets in scoring with 40 points on 11-for-22 shooting, 4-for-9 from behind the arc.

Green scored 27 points in the second half. His contributions helped the Rockets come within 10 points or less on several occasions.

Two nights after hitting the game-winning basket, Jabari Smith Jr. had his least impactful game over the last three weeks. He finished with eight points on 2-for-10 shooting, 0-for-4 from behind the arc and four rebounds.

Free-throw was a lone positive for the Rockets:

For a team that came into the game shooting 75.1 percent from the free-throw line, the Rockets had one of their best night shooting from the charity stripe. Houston began the night shooting 21-21 from the line. By the end of the game, the Rockets shot 36-for-38. 

Rockets lose regular-season series 3-1 to Pelicans:

With the loss, the Rockets ended their four-game regular season series in a 3-1 defeat while dropping six of their last seven games to New Orleans.

Up Next:

The Rockets will conclude their six-game homestand Monday night against the Golden State Warriors. Houston will then embark on a five-game road trip starting Wednesday against the Memphis Grizzlies.

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

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