On March 29, 2026, the Houston Rockets visited the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans to take on the Pelicans. Both teams were looking to improve their standings, but the Rockets entered the game with a notable advantage.
As the game unfolded, the Rockets quickly established dominance, leading to a final score of 134-102. Alperen Şengün was the standout player, scoring 36 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, and providing 7 assists, showcasing his all-around skills.
The Rockets’ shooting performance was impressive, hitting 47% from the field and 41% from three-point range. In contrast, the Pelicans struggled, managing only 43% from the field and 31% from beyond the arc.
One of the key factors in the Rockets’ victory was their rebounding advantage, particularly on the offensive boards. Houston secured 22 offensive rebounds, translating to 31 second-chance points, which played a crucial role in their scoring efforts.
Despite the loss, Zion Williamson contributed 18 points for the Pelicans, while Kevin Durant added 20 points in 28 minutes of play for the Rockets. However, the Pelicans were unable to match the intensity and efficiency displayed by their opponents.
Houston committed 8 turnovers during the game, but their overall performance was solid enough to secure the win. Head coach Ime Udoka praised Şengün’s focus, stating, “You don’t do your work early and (are) not detail-oriented, he’s going to embarrass you to some extent so (Şengün) was locked in.”
Looking ahead, the Rockets will aim to build on this momentum, especially as they have struggled against teams with a .500 or worse record this season. Alperen Şengün expressed his desire to improve his three-point shooting for the next season, stating, “Hopefully I improve my 3-pointer next season so it can open my game and help my teammates.”
As the season progresses, the implications of this game could be significant for both teams as they navigate their playoff aspirations.
