On December 27, 2024, Beijing time, the NBA regular season saw the 5-win and 25-loss Pelicans host the 20-win and 9-loss Rockets. On paper, the Pelicans, without Ingram and Zion, were not a match for the Rockets. Could the Rockets secure a stable victory? The Rockets were missing Dillon and Ethan, with their starting lineup consisting of VanVleet, Jalen Green, Thompson, Smith, and Shen Jing. The Pelicans' starting lineup was Murray, McCollum, Jones, Murphy, and Missy.
In the first quarter, Jalen Green scored 5 consecutive points, followed by a layup from Murphy and Shen Jing, giving the Rockets a 7-2 lead. Jones, McCollum, and Murray responded with points for the Pelicans, but VanVleet and Jalen Green brought the score to 16-10 for the Rockets. Jones and Murray continued to score, but VanVleet and Jalen Green maintained a 7-point lead. Hawkins made a mid-range shot, and Tate, VanVleet, Whitmore, Shen Jing, and Jalen Green extended the lead to 17 points. Javonte Green scored, and Tate made a layup, ending the first quarter with the Rockets leading 39-22.
In the second quarter, Thompson made 1 of 2 free throws, and Tais made both his free throws, maintaining a 16-point lead. Thompson, Whitmore, and Smith increased the lead to 21 points, but McCollum narrowed it to 15 points. Jalen Green, Shen Jing, Smith, and Thompson scored, while Earl, Murphy, and McCollum tried to catch up, leaving an 18-point difference at halftime, with the Rockets leading 61-43.
In the third quarter, Jalen Green hit a three-pointer, extending the lead to 21 points. Murphy, Missy, and Murray scored, but Jalen Green, Shen Jing, and VanVleet responded strongly, increasing the lead to 24 points. Murphy continued to score, but Smith and VanVleet responded, keeping a 23-point lead. Murray and Murphy narrowed the gap to 17 points, but VanVleet and Tate extended it to 22 points. Jones and Hawkins scored, but Jalen Green, Whitmore, Thompson, and Tate responded, bringing the lead to 30 points. Murphy dunked, and the third quarter ended with the Rockets leading 102-74.
In the fourth quarter, Boston and Jones scored, but Thompson, Whitmore, and Tate responded, maintaining a 28-point lead. Javonte Green scored consecutively, but Jeff Green and Whitmore responded, keeping a 27-point lead. With over four minutes left in the game, the suspense faded, and the Rockets ultimately won 128-111 against the Pelicans.
Jalen Green scored 30 points with 12 out of 21 shots (6 out of 11 three-pointers), adding 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. VanVleet scored 25 points with 8 out of 15 shots (7 out of 12 three-pointers), contributing 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Shen Jing scored 10 points with 5 out of 11 shots, grabbing 13 rebounds and 6 assists. Whitmore set a new personal scoring record this season with 27 points and 4 rebounds, shooting 9 out of 16. Thompson scored 9 points with 10 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 blocks, setting a new personal record for blocks this season.
Murphy scored 21 points with 7 out of 16 shots, adding 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Murray scored 17 points with 7 out of 15 shots, contributing 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. McCollum scored 13 points with 2 rebounds and 3 assists. Boston scored 17 points with 6 rebounds, and Javonte Green scored 11 points with 5 rebounds.
After the win, the Rockets have a record of 21 wins and 9 losses, firmly holding the second place in the West. They have truly risen this season, often winning big against weaker teams and holding their own against stronger opponents. Based on their current performance, the Rockets have a good chance of making the playoffs as one of the top four teams in the West, significantly changing the landscape of the Western Conference.