Houston Rockets secure a thrilling 119-110 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on January 18, 2026, with a stellar performance from Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. Durant's 18 points propelled him into the NBA's top six for career points, surpassing Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki. Smith's 32-point outing was a season-high, showcasing his improved shooting accuracy. Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson also contributed significantly, with 21 points and 8 rebounds, and 20 points respectively, solidifying Houston's win. The Pelicans, led by Trey Murphy III's 21 points and Zion Williamson's 20 points, suffered their fourth loss in five games and 13th in 15, highlighting their recent struggles. The game's climax saw Durant's free-throw prowess, securing his 31,562 career points, and a special video message from Nowitzki, congratulating him on the achievement. Smith's performance was a stark contrast to his previous 3-for-12 outing, showcasing his ability to bounce back. However, the Rockets' Steven Adams had to be helped off the court with a left ankle injury, a setback for the team. The Rockets' next game is against the San Antonio Spurs, while the Pelicans host the Detroit Pistons, with both teams aiming to regain their winning momentum.
