Overview
- Saddiq Bey scored a season-high 29 points, with 21 after halftime, driving New Orleans' second-half surge.
- Jordan Poole put the Pelicans up with two free throws at 12 seconds in overtime, and Bey sealed it at the line after securing the rebound.
- Kevin Durant led Houston with 32 and Alperen Şengün added 28, but Şengün missed two late fourth-quarter free throws and could not get off a potential winning shot in regulation.
- Herb Jones delivered 18 points and a career-high eight steals before fouling out, Trey Murphy added 27, and rookie Derik Queen posted 16 points, 12 boards, three blocks and sparked an 11-0 fourth-quarter run.
- The Rockets led 67-45 at halftime after a flawless first half from Durant, yet the loss gives them back-to-back defeats for the first time since opening week as the Pelicans notch a third straight win.