The Rockets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans on a last second shot by Jabari Smith Jr. on Friday. Two days later, they played the Pelicans again, they got down again, they attempted a comeback again. This time, the comeback fell short, as the 33-37 Pelicans fought for their play-in lives.
The Pelicans came out of the gate with more energy than the Rockets, including the Rockets second unit, which usually provides a boost, and established a 20 point lead at the half by making basically every shot, playing physical, and generally adjusting to how the Rockets played them last time.