The Houston Rockets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 113-90, at Smoothie King Arena on Sunday evening.

The Rockets (47-27) set the tone with a dominant first quarter, jumping out to a 33-19 first-quarter lead that they'd extended to 63-44 by halftime. While the Pelicans (31-44) were much more competitive in the second half, Houston still added four points to their advantage by the final buzzer. The visitors were effective on both ends of the floor, draining 48.8 percent of their attempts while limiting New Orleans to a 41.3 percent figure.

James Harden paced the Rockets with 28 points, adding four assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Eric Gordon produced 18 points, two assists, two blocks and one steal. Danuel House, Jr. turned in 14 points, six rebounds and one steal. P.J. Tucker and Kenneth Faried turned in matching 11-point tallies, with Faried also hauling in 11 rebounds. Chris Paul generated an 11-point, 13-assist double-double that also included three rebounds and five steals. Clint Capela mustered eight points while also hauling in 17 rebounds and dishing out one assist.

Frank Jackson led the Pelicans with 19 points while also supplying six assists, three rebounds and one steal. Julius Randle managed 15 points, three rebounds and two assists. Stanley Johnson furnished 13 points, five boards, one assist and one steal. Anthony Davis compiled 12 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal and one block. Elfrid Payton delivered only four points and also dished out eight assists, brought down four boards, and recorded on steal.

The Rockets next pay a visit to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, while the Pelicans remain home and take on the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday evening as well.