Jalen Green drops efficient 40 points as Pelicans hold off Rockets

The New Orleans Pelicans got some revenge on the Rockets in Sunday’s 117-107 final (box score) at Toyota Center. But within the context of Houston’s obvious rebuilding movement, there were more positive signs from one of their most promising prospects.

Second-year Rockets guard Jalen Green finished with the fifth 40+ point game of his young NBA career (and his fourth since January), and he did it on strong efficiency — scoring 40 on 11-of-22 shooting (50.0%), 4-of-9 on 3-pointers (44.4%), and 14-of-14 on free throws.

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Backcourt mate Kevin Porter Jr. was strong for the Rockets, as well, with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists on 7-of-15 shooting (46.7%) and 3-of-9 from 3-point range (33.3%).

For both teams, it was an immediate rematch in the same arena of Friday’s buzzer-beating thriller, which rookie Jabari Smith Jr. salvaged for the host Rockets with only 0.4 seconds left.

On Sunday, however, Smith struggled, scoring just 8 points in the rematch on 2-of-10 shooting (20.0%) and 0-of-4 on 3-pointers. Second-year center Alperen Sengun had some struggles, as well, finishing with 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists but shooting just 3-of-8 from the field (37.5%) while fouling out in 31 minutes.

Veteran stars Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum each scored 26 points on 50% shooting, while big man Jonas Valanciunas had 21 points and 11 rebounds. Ingram also dished out 9 assists on a night when the Pelicans were sharp from 3-point range, making 13-of-31 (41.9%). By contrast, Houston shot just 9-of-33 from deep (27.3%).

The Rockets fell to 18-53 with the loss, and they remain in last place in the Western Conference. The Pelicans improved to 34-37 and remain in contention for a potential berth in the West’s play-in tournament, which would give them a chance to make the playoffs.

Next up for the Rockets is defending NBA champion Golden State, which visits Houston on Monday to wrap up a six-game homestand at Toyota Center. Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m. Central. Until then, here’s our look at Sunday’s highlights, analysis, postgame interviews, and more.