After halftime, the Rockets’ defense locked in and started dictating the pace. Houston nearly shut New Orleans down in a statement stretch during the third quarter, building a 13-point lead (42-29). The complete switch-flip made the first half look like luck for the Pelicans .

Kevin Durant and Alperen Şengün found their rhythm and looked comfortable together- a real duo. Durant dropped a smooth jumper off of a pick from Şengün - one of several clean two-man plays.

Thompson kept pushing the pace, creating the kind of chaotic, fast-moving environment Houston thrives in. He made it difficult for New Orleans to catch their breath, let alone set up defensively. 

With emotions still high from the Thompson-Alvarado fight, fans weren’t prepared for an even more intense fourth quarter. Any assumptions they had about where this game was headed went out the window in the final quarter when the Pelicans let Fears take control- and he brought them all the way back. 

The spotlight quickly turned to an explosive performance from Fears in the fourth. In the battle of the benches, Houston’s second unit struggled to contain him on defense. Fears finished with 20 points overall but really stole the show in the last six minutes with a roughly 14-2 run, exposing holes in the Rocket’s coverage. If he keeps that up, Fears might find himself in the starting lineup sooner than expected.

Rockets head coach Ime Udoka’s defense-first approach was tested as Houston struggled to contain Zion and Fears. It shined through with his starters but not so much with the bench unit, so he kept a veteran on the court at all times. Those two Pelicans alone provided valuable practice for Houston’s defense and for Udoka to test out rotations. 

The Rockets are clearly building chemistry with a shiny new roster, and while they’re still developing, the younger half of the team is starting to catch on fast. The offense is looking smoother, and the defense is tightening up- and you can see it in the box score. 

Remember, it’s still only preseason, even if this matchup didn’t feel like it. The Rockets won by a single shot, but the Pelicans proved they’ll be giving the West a run for its money. The Rockets remain undefeated at 3-0 and the Pelicans drop to 2-1.