Rockets (8-11), Pelicans (4-15)
HOUSTON – After trailing much of Wednesday and holding a narrow lead early in the fourth quarter, Houston finally put together a run early in the fourth quarter, stretching a two-point edge to 96-87 with 5:03 remaining. New Orleans couldn’t overcome the gap after that, dropping a fourth straight game after a three-game winning streak last week. The Pelicans host the Cleveland Cavaliers next on Friday at 8:30 p.m. Central in the Smoothie King Center.
IT WAS OVER WHEN…
Houston’s Patrick Beverley dropped in a floater with 45 seconds left, giving the hosts a 95-86 lead. The Pelicans had pulled within five points, but Dwight Howard sank two free throws – the second on an ultra-friendly bounce off the rim – to help keep New Orleans at bay.
PELICANS PLAYER OF THE GAME
Davis compiled another big game, recording 29 points, 13 rebounds and two blocks. He scored 16 of his points after intermission, with at least six points in every quarter. Davis shot 10 of 11 on free throws and was 9-for-20 from the field.
PELICANS UNSUNG CONTRIBUTOR
Tyreke Evans didn’t shoot well, but in his second game back from knee surgery, he supplied his usual blend of all-around contributions. Evans approached a triple-double by registering 10 points, six rebounds and eight assists. He shot only 2 of 9 from the field. The team’s other recent returnee from injury, Norris Cole, also struggled with his shot, going 2-for-10.
