Overview
- Houston moved to 25-15 overall and 14-3 at Toyota Center with the rematch win.
- Kevin Durant passed Dirk Nowitzki for sixth all-time with two late free throws, reaching 31,562 career points and sitting 731 from Michael Jordan.
- Jabari Smith Jr. hit seven threes on his way to 32 points, with Alperen Şengün (21) and Amen Thompson (20) adding efficient scoring and eight rebounds each.
- Center Steven Adams exited with a left-ankle sprain; coach Ime Udoka reported significant swelling, no fracture, and no return timetable yet.
- Houston converted 17 offensive rebounds into 27 second-chance points, while New Orleans slipped to 10-35 with 13 losses in its past 15 games.