The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Charlotte Hornets, 128-119, at Toyota Center on Wednesday evening.

The Rockets got off to a hot start with a, 39-27, lead after one quarter. The Hornets brought a better effort in the second and managed to trim the deficit to just three points by halftime, but the hosts reclaimed control in the third and pushed their advantage back up to an eight points heading into the final frame. Both sides picked up the pace in the fourth, where the Rockets outscored the visitors, 42-41, to close out their first win of the season. This marks the third straight loss for the Hornets.

Jalen Green led the Rockets with 23 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 31 minutes. Fred VanVleet followed up with 22 points, three rebounds and 11 assists, while Dillon Brooks totaled 20 points, three rebounds, five assists and five steals. The Rockets shot 52.4 percent from the field, including 21-for-37 from deep.

Meanwhile, P.J. Washington led the Hornets with 23 points on 8-for-13 shooting, in 35 minutes of action. Terry Rozier followed up with 21 points, three rebounds, six assists and a steal, while LaMelo Ball tallied 19 points, five assists and a steal. The Hornets shot 50.0 percent from the field, including 11-for-27 from long range.

The Hornets (1-3) will look to bounce back as they take on the Pacers in Indiana on Saturday. The Rockets (1-3) are back in action on Saturday, when they play host to the Kings