The Houston Rockets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 104-101, at Toyota Center on Friday night in NBA In-Season Tournament Group Play.

The Pelicans (4-5) opened the game in solid form offensively, emerging from the first period with a 31-26 lead. The Rockets (5-3) surged back in the second, however, dominating New Orleans by a 28-17 margin to take a six-point advantage into halftime. The visitors turned the tables right back in the third by re-establishing a nine-point edge, but Houston overcame its final deficit of two points with a 6-1 run in the final 47.1 seconds.

Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 31 points, complementing them with six rebounds, five assists and one block. Zion Williamson delivered 24 points, eight rebounds, one assist and one block. Jonas Valanciunas posted 15 points, nine boards, two assists and four blocks. Jordan Hawkins supplied 14 points, seven rebounds, one assist and two steals. Dyson Daniels pitched in a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and one steal.

Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 25 points, adding four rebounds and one assist. Alperen Sengun followed with 24 points, supplementing them with eight rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block. Fred VanVleet turned in 20 points, eight assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Dillon Brooks compiled 10 points, two boards, two assists, two steals and one block.

The Pelicans return home to host the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday evening, while the Rockets remain home and host the Denver Nuggets on Sunday evening as well.