Pelicans vs. Rockets Takeaways: Growing Through Adversity Leads To Comeback Win
HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets recorded their third consecutive win in a 114-112 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans Friday night. Here are three takeaways from the win inside the Toyota Center.
Containing their composure through adversity:
The Rockets have improved their fourth-quarter execution through film study sessions since falling to the Chicago Bulls on March 11. But their victory against the Pelicans showcased their on-court maturity.
"I am so proud of the guys," coach Stephen Silas said. "For a while, J.V. [Jonas Valanciunas] was just going at us. We were trying to do different things. But it was the play-hard part that was necessary to win."
The Rockets overcame a 16-point deficit in their win over the Pelicans. They had arguably their best fourth quarter of the season by outscoring New Orleans 34-22. But Houston's comeback victory was more about the team's growth to maintain their demeanor through adversity.
The Pelicans picked up their physicality in the third quarter, and their play led to the Rockets playing two separate games. One game was against New Orleans, while the other came versus the referees.
Six personal fouls went against the Rockets as they struggled to compete against Jonas Valanciunas and the Pelicans' physicality. And at the 4:51 mark of the third period, Kevin Porter Jr. picked up a technical foul.
The frustration and adversity the Rockets played through during the third period would have ended in a blowout loss earlier in the season. But Houston's ability to regain its composure was another illustration of the Rockets' continuous growth.
Jabari Smith Jr. continues to develop clutch genes:
If one thought the two triples Jabari Smith Jr. connected on in the win against the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday was impressive, he gave everyone a memorable encore two nights later.
"It was crazy," Jalen Green said. "I am so happy for him. His shooting is big-time. And now, we have to keep going."
Smith drilled the game-winning basket over the top of Naji Marshall to lift the Rockets to a comeback victory. His game-winning shot marked the second go-ahead triple he scored over the previous 10 games.
His first came on March 9 in an overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers. He drilled a contested shot over Pacers' Aaron Nesmith to send the game into overtime.
"I've been shooting game-winners all my life," Smith said. "They have also trusted me to take those shots, even through the misses. They are the reason I have the confidence to take that shot, so big ups to them."
Rockets continue to interfere with post-season implications:
The Rockets revealed they have relished in playing spoilers to playoff-caliber teams down the stretch. By defeating the Pelicans, Houston prevented New Orleans from a chance to move up in the standings, especially given that the Lakers fell to the Dallas Mavericks Friday night.
"The last time we were in NOLA, they gave us a beating, and we remembered that," Porter said. "This time, we wanted to protect home court. And we did."
Best performance:
From Smith's game-winning basket to Green scoring a team-best 25 points, several players could have taken the helm for best performance against the Pelicans. But Alperen Sengun played one of his best games of the season against the Pelicans.
He finished the game with 17 points, 11 rebounds and a pair of steals. But Sengun's ability to play through the physicality of Valanciunas made it an impressive defensive night.
Sengun never backed down from the challenge. The in-game adjustments he made entering the fourth quarter and revamped play on defense helped the Rockets contain Valanciunas amid their comeback victory.
Worst performance:
Friday night was the third game over the last four contests each player left a positive impact on the Rockets. Usman Garuba may have given the most minor production. But the second-year prospect did record four rebounds in the 7 minutes and 29 seconds he spent on the court.
Final Words:
"It says a lot about our resilience, our execution, and the guys we have in that locker room. A lot of guys played well on both ends of the floor. Everyone had a part in the win. We are moving in the right direction, and there have been improvements." — Silas
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