Imagine being down by 25 points in the third quarter, only to storm back and win in overtime. That’s exactly what the New Orleans Pelicans did in a jaw-dropping 133-128 victory over the Houston Rockets on Thursday night. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a testament to the Pelicans' resilience, or a glaring example of the Rockets letting their guard down? Let’s dive in.
Saddiq Bey stole the show with a season-high 29 points, 21 of which came after halftime, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with in clutch moments. Trey Murphy added 27 points, while Herb Jones chipped in 18 points and a career-best eight steals before fouling out. And this is the part most people miss: The Pelicans’ 25-point comeback not only tied a franchise record but also marked their largest second-half rally in team history, dating back to the 2002-03 season. Talk about rewriting the record books!
The game’s final moments were nothing short of thrilling. Jordan Poole’s free throws with 12 seconds left in overtime put the Pelicans up 131-128, but Houston’s Reed Sheppard missed two critical 3-point attempts. Bey then sealed the deal with game-clinching free throws, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Here’s the bold question: Did the Rockets crumble under pressure, or did the Pelicans simply outplay them when it mattered most?
Houston’s Kevin Durant led all scorers with 32 points, and Alperen Sengun added 28. However, Sengun’s missed free throws late in the fourth quarter proved costly, allowing New Orleans to tie the game at 117 on Bey’s driving finger roll. Rookie Derik Queen also made his presence felt with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks, sparking an 11-0 run early in the fourth that shifted the game’s momentum.
The Rockets dominated early, with Durant scoring 13 points in the first quarter, including three 3-pointers. By halftime, Houston led 67-45, and the Pelicans looked out of sorts, missing 20 of 29 shots in the paint. But New Orleans chipped away in the third quarter, entering the fourth down 99-83. From there, it was all Pelicans.
Controversial take: Could Houston’s early dominance have led to complacency? Or did the Pelicans simply flip a switch and play with a level of urgency the Rockets couldn’t match? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Up next, the Rockets head to Denver to face the Nuggets on Saturday, while the Pelicans host the Indiana Pacers. One thing’s for sure: this Pelicans team is no longer the pushover they were earlier in the season, having won three straight after starting just 3-25. What a turnaround!
What do you think? Was this comeback a result of the Pelicans' grit or the Rockets' collapse? Share your take below!
