One-sided match at the Toyota Center, where the Rockets set the tone from the start of the match. More skillful (47% against 37%) and more energetic like a striking Dillon Brooks in the 1st quarter (3/4 on shots), Houston presented a typical major five (Smith Jr – Brooks – VanVleet – Sengun – Green) much more in place than that of New Orleans, deprived of Zion Williamson (rest). Despite a good start and a decent match from Brandon Ingram (18 pts), the Rockets quietly finished the 1st quarter at +9, with already 11 passes on the clock.
Again for the second quarter where the clumsiness of Dejounte Murray prevents the Pelicans from existing against a still well-inspired Alperen Sengun and the defensive energy of Amen Thompson (11 pts and 2 blocks). The entry of Reed Sheppard (9 pts and 2 interceptions) will bury all hope for New Orleans from the 2nd quarter. The 3rd choice of the 2024 Draft will stand out with a clever interception on Ingram and a dunk in transition for show. The mark will go up for the Rockets to +14 at halftime.
Jalen Green easy
Like their colleagues in preseason, Ime Udoka and Willie Green took the opportunity to rotate their squad at the start of the 2nd half and Cam Whitmore confirms that he still has fire in his legs, just like Jordan Hawkins (20 pts ) for the Pelicans. Jalen Green returns to the game before the 4th quarter and he shows off his technique with two nice drives to finish as the Rockets' top scorer (19 pts).
With an average gap of 10 points throughout the match and a 3rd offensive card in 3 matches, the Rockets finally won by 20 points (118-98). The lessons are rare, even non-existent in preseason, but the Rockets are, for the moment, displaying basketball as attractive as at the end of last season.
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
