On January 18, 2026, the Houston Rockets secured a hard-fought 119-110 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Kevin Durant, a 15-time All-Star, shone brightly, scoring 18 points and surpassing Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki's NBA career points record. Durant's achievement was celebrated with a standing ovation from the home crowd, marking a historic moment in his illustrious career. Jabari Smith Jr. led the Rockets with a season-high 32 points, while Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson contributed 21 and 20 points, respectively. The Rockets' victory marked their third in four games, showcasing their resilience and depth.
The Pelicans, led by Trey Murphy III's 21 points and Zion Williamson's 20 points, struggled to keep up with the Rockets' momentum. Derik Queen added 15 points, but the team lost for the fourth time in five games and 13th time in 15 games, indicating a need for improvement. Houston's Steven Adams, who missed earlier games due to a right ankle injury, had to be helped off the court in the fourth quarter with a suspected left ankle injury. The Rockets' next game will be a home match against the San Antonio Spurs, while the Pelicans will host the Detroit Pistons.
This game was a testament to the Rockets' ability to rise to the occasion and secure a crucial victory. Despite the Pelicans' efforts, the Rockets' balanced scoring and defensive prowess proved decisive. The crowd's standing ovation for Durant further emphasized the significance of this achievement, leaving a lasting impression on the NBA community.
