Houston Rockets Beat New Orleans Pelicans 107-105: Kevin Durant's 32 Points Hold Off Dejounte Murray's Heroic 35
The Houston Rockets survived a furious New Orleans Pelicans fourth-quarter comeback Friday night to win 107-105 at Toyota Center, with Kevin Durant delivering 32 points in a performance that mattered enormously for Western Conference playoff seeding. Dejounte Murray was otherworldly with 35 points on 77.8% shooting for the Pelicans — but it was not quite enough.
Rockets vs Pelicans Final Score: HOU 107, NOP 105
Houston led by as many as 11 points midway through the game and appeared to be cruising before the Pelicans tore off a blistering 33-27 fourth quarter. New Orleans closed to within two in the final minutes, setting up a chaotic late possession stretch before the Rockets slammed the door.
Houston outscored New Orleans in the first three quarters 80-72 but were badly out-played in the final frame. The difference was Durant staying calm under pressure down the stretch, drawing free throws and converting at the line when it mattered.
Kevin Durant Powers Houston Down the Stretch
Kevin Durant was Houston's backbone with 32 points on 13-of-24 shooting — adding 3 triples, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and a block. He drew 9 fouls and shot 75% from the line. Durant's ability to get to his spots in the fourth quarter gave the Rockets just enough breathing room to survive the Pelicans' late charge.
Amen Thompson delivered a monster double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds alongside 8 assists, playing the most complete game of any Rocket Friday night. Reed Sheppard shot 45.5% from three and finished with 18 points. Jabari Smith Jr. added 16 on three made threes.
Dejounte Murray's 35-Point Masterpiece Falls Short
Dejounte Murray was simply sensational for the Pelicans, finishing with 35 points on a jaw-dropping 14-of-18 from the field — including 4-of-5 from three — and 80% from deep. He added 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Murray attacked every angle, shot 90.9% at the rim, and was the single best player on the floor. His performance deserved a win that ultimately slipped away.
Zion Williamson added 21 points on 70% shooting with 7 free throw attempts, picking up a flagrant foul along the way. Trey Murphy III contributed 14 points and 7 assists but turned the ball over 4 times.
Full Box Score Highlights
| Player | Team | PTS | REB | AST | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Durant | HOU | 32 | 6 | 5 | 54.2% |
| Amen Thompson | HOU | 23 | 12 | 8 | 46.7% |
| Reed Sheppard | HOU | 18 | 5 | 3 | 42.9% |
| Dejounte Murray | NOP | 35 | 7 | 4 | 77.8% |
| Zion Williamson | NOP | 21 | 5 | 1 | 70.0% |
| Trey Murphy III | NOP | 14 | 6 | 7 | 33.3% |
Western Conference Standings Implications
The win keeps the Houston Rockets firmly in the top four of the Western Conference — a critical distinction given home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. With five weeks remaining in the regular season, the Rockets are now 1.5 games clear of the Pelicans in the standings race.
The New Orleans Pelicans are now fighting hard to stay in the play-in conversation after a heartbreaking two-point road loss. They face the Rockets again Monday, March 30, in New Orleans — a rematch that could have significant playoff seeding consequences for both franchises.
