The New Orleans Pelicans suffered a narrow loss to the Houston Rockets halfway around the world early Sunday morning, 123-117. With the game taking place in Shanghai, China, the game tipped off at 6:30am local time. Fortunately, those needing some help waking up witnessed a caffeine-induced pace for the entire game, with both offenses shining and defenses hiding.
The Pelicans led late in the fourth quarter, 116-112 with 3 minutes remaining, but failed to hold on for the win. One doesn’t need to look any further than the box score. Four of the Rockets starters played 30 minutes or more, including James Harden with 36.