Rockets edge Pelicans 107-105 to move into 3rd in West

Kevin Durant hits go-ahead shot in final seconds to lift Houston

Mar. 14, 2026 at 6:57pm

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The Houston Rockets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 107-105 on Friday night, with Kevin Durant hitting a go-ahead 18-footer with 7.6 seconds left to lift the Rockets into third place in the crowded Western Conference standings. Durant scored 32 points, while Amen Thompson added 23 for Houston. Dejounte Murray led the Pelicans with 35 points, but stepped out of bounds late in the game with New Orleans up by a point. Zion Williamson also had 21 points for the Pelicans, who had won two straight and three of four coming into the game.

Why it matters

This was an important win for the Rockets as they jockey for playoff position in the tight Western Conference race. The Pelicans, meanwhile, missed an opportunity to gain ground in the standings with the late-game miscues.

The details

Durant was the hero for the Rockets, hitting the go-ahead jumper in the final seconds after Murray had given the Pelicans a one-point lead. Murray had a strong game for New Orleans, but his late-game turnover proved costly. The Rockets were able to capitalize and hold on for the victory.

  • The game was played on Friday, March 14, 2026.
  • Durant hit the go-ahead shot with 7.6 seconds remaining in the game.

The players

Kevin Durant

A star forward for the Houston Rockets who scored 32 points, including the game-winning shot in the final seconds.

Dejounte Murray

A guard for the New Orleans Pelicans who scored a team-high 35 points but committed a crucial late-game turnover.

Zion Williamson

A forward for the New Orleans Pelicans who scored 21 points in the losing effort.

Amen Thompson

A guard for the Houston Rockets who scored 23 points to support Durant's performance.

Reed Sheppard

A guard for the Houston Rockets who scored 18 points in the win.

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What they’re saying

“We must have composure down the stretch and take care of the ball. That turnover at the end really hurt us.”

— Zion Williamson, Forward, New Orleans Pelicans (New Orleans Times-Picayune)

“Kevin made a big-time shot when we needed it most. That's why he's one of the best players in the league.”

— Amen Thompson, Guard, Houston Rockets (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Rockets will look to build on this win as they continue their five-game homestand, hosting the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday and Wednesday. The Pelicans, meanwhile, will try to bounce back when they host the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.

The takeaway

This was a hard-fought game between two Western Conference contenders, with the Rockets ultimately prevailing thanks to Durant's clutch shot in the final seconds. The win moves Houston into third place in the West, while the Pelicans missed an opportunity to gain ground in the standings.