Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the New Orleans Pelicans lost to the Houston Rockets 126-112 Saturday.
The Pelicans got off to a hot start shooting 66.7 percent, including 54.5 percent, from three in the first quarter. But the Rockets began to heat up up from beyond the arc in the second quarter connecting on nine of their 12 3s to help Houston build an 18-point lead heading into halftime.
Pelicans players also said their defensive effort slipped in the second quarter.
“When they are playing harder than us and hitting shots, We’re not even giving ourselves a chance,“ Pelicans forward Zion Williamson said. “It’s simple as that.”
The Pelicans were able to cut the lead to single digits midway through the third, thanks in part to Williamson’s 14-point quarter, but weren’t able to pull any closer as the Rockets were able seal the victory.
