Houston Rockets Rally Past Pelicans in High-Energy Home Win

The Houston Rockets lit up the Toyota Center on December 18, delivering a gritty, high-energy win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Behind strong defensive stretches and timely scoring bursts, Houston controlled the fourth quarter and secured a much-needed victory during a key stretch of the NBA season.

The Rockets set the tone early, pushing the pace and forcing the Pelicans into tough shots. While New Orleans made several runs behind their star-led offense, Houston’s response was constant. Ball movement, hustle on the boards, and confident perimeter shooting allowed the Rockets to keep momentum throughout the night.

Why the Win Matters

This game carried more weight than a typical mid-December matchup. Houston has been fighting to climb the Western Conference standings, and wins against physical, playoff-caliber opponents help build both confidence and chemistry. The Toyota Center crowd fed into the team’s energy as Houston’s young core displayed poise and resilience.

Fans also saw improvement on the defensive end. The Rockets tightened their coverage in the final minutes, forcing New Orleans into contested attempts while executing late-game sets with maturity that continues to develop each week.

What’s Next

The Rockets continue their homestand with another tough matchup ahead, giving them a chance to build on this performance before heading back on the road. With competitive balance shaping the West this season, every win counts, and this one sends a clear message: Houston is ready to fight for playoff positioning.

This article is a summary of reporting by Houston.com. Read the full story here.