Rockets Suffer Overtime Heartbreak as Pelicans Exploit Defensive Lapses
The Houston Rockets entered Thursday’s showdown against the struggling New Orleans Pelicans with high expectations. After all, they boasted a third-best defensive rating in the league. However, what transpired during their 133-128 overtime defeat was nothing short of shocking. Houston had built a commanding 67-45 lead by halftime, only to see their defensive prowess crumble in the second half, allowing New Orleans to storm back and secure the win.
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half was a display of dominance for the Rockets. They controlled the tempo and stifled the Pelicans, limiting their scoring opportunities. Yet, this early success may have led to complacency. The Pelicans erupted for a staggering 74 points in the second half, forcing the game into overtime. In the extra period, New Orleans outscored Houston 14-9, sealing a dramatic turnaround that left the Rockets reeling.
The Pelicans’ offensive efficiency was evident as they finished the night with shooting splits of 51% from the field, 41% from three-point range, and 86% from the free-throw line. Saddiq Bey and Trey Murphy III were particularly lethal, combining for 56 points on just 31 attempts. Meanwhile, the Rockets’ bench struggled, contributing only 23 points compared to the Pelicans’ 34.
Defensive Woes and Turnover Troubles
Head coach Ime Udoka did not mince words in his assessment of his team’s second-half performance. He pointed to a complete breakdown in defensive discipline, particularly their inability to stop the ball. The Rockets committed 20 turnovers throughout the game, which the Pelicans capitalized on for an additional 16 points.
“After holding them to 45 in the first half, the team gave up 74 in the second half, 38 and a 36-point quarter,” Udoka stated. “Obviously, that’s embarrassing defensive effort there. And then offensively, not only the turnovers—we had 11 at the half and didn’t get much better, nine in the second half. But guys looked intimidated, scared out of double teams to make plays.”
The frustration was palpable among the Rockets, with All-Star center Alperen Sengun echoing his coach’s sentiments. Sengun, who finished with an impressive 28 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and two blocks, pinpointed a lack of effort and focus as critical factors in the loss. “We played softer, they played hard,” he said. “In the second half, they played aggressive and we didn’t… We just lost focus.”
Kevin Durant’s Struggles in the Spotlight
Despite the Pelicans’ success in limiting Houston’s offensive flow, star scorer Kevin Durant managed to pour in 32 points on 12-of-15 shooting. Yet, even he was not immune to the pressure, committing six turnovers—three in each half. The Pelicans’ strategy to double-team Durant paid dividends, disrupting the Rockets’ offensive rhythm.
With their record now standing at 16-8, the Rockets find themselves in a precarious position, having dropped two consecutive games. They will look to regroup against the Denver Nuggets, a team they have yet to defeat this season. As they prepare for what could be a pivotal matchup, concerns are mounting about Houston’s recent form, particularly with a 3-4 record in December. The pressure is on to regain their defensive identity and restore confidence heading into the next challenge.
