Houston’s Hopes Rise After Thrilling Strike on Preseason

The energy in Houston is starting to feel different. On Tuesday night, the Rockets pulled off a dramatic 130–128 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, and it wasn’t just another preseason victory. It was a statement of intent, an early glimpse at what this team might become. Yet, as much as the excitement is justified, the question lingers: how much trust should we place in this promising start?

Houston’s win was a complete team performance, full of rhythm, fight, and flashes of brilliance: Jabari Smith Jr. led the way with 26 points, showing confidence in his jumper and composure late in the game, Amen Thompson, who’s been earning league-wide respect, added 21 points, attacking the rim with control and poise beyond his years, and Tari Eason came off the bench with 20 points, giving Houston the kind of energy and depth that every contender needs.

Then there was Kevin Durant. He scored 15 points, but his influence went far beyond the box score. Durant steadied the offense when it slowed, drew double teams that opened lanes for others, and looked like a veteran entirely at ease in a new environment.

Reed Sheppard contributed 13 points with timely shooting, while Alperen Sengun anchored the paint, grabbing 12 rebounds and dishing 7 assists, reminding everyone that he remains the heartbeat of Houston’s playmaking. The night ended on a perfect note — Aaron Holiday’s game-winning floater sealed the narrow triumph on the road.

Houston’s Hopes Rise After Thrilling Strike on Preseason

For a franchise that has spent the past few seasons rebuilding, this win represents validation. It wasn’t just the final score but the composure. Houston looked balanced, structured, and unselfish. Coach Ime Udoka’s fingerprints were all over this game: defensive commitment, disciplined shot selection, and the kind of ball movement that signals genuine chemistry rather than preseason hype.

Durant’s arrival has clearly changed the dynamic. His presence has allowed younger players like Thompson and Smith to attack with less pressure, and Sengun’s facilitation now flows more naturally with a star who commands gravity.

The bench, led by Eason and Holiday, played with purpose, and the overall energy was far from the raw, inconsistent Rockets of two years ago. This version feels cohesive, mature, and focused; the kind of group that could stay relevant deep into the season.

Reasons to Stay Grounded

Still, optimism needs a dose of realism. The Pelicans were without full rhythm defensively, and preseason games often tell incomplete stories. Houston’s offense looked dynamic, but the defense gave up 128 points, something Udoka will not overlook. Late rotations and occasional lapses nearly cost them the win, and against elite Western Conference teams, those details matter.

There’s also the question of sustainability. Durant’s workload must be managed, and relying too heavily on young players can lead to inconsistency. Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith are evolving fast, but development comes with ups and downs. The Rockets will have nights where the shots don’t fall, where defense slips, and where experience, or the lack of it, shows.

Hope, but Earned

For now, though, Houston fans can enjoy a start that feels genuinely promising. The Rockets’ hopes for the season are grounded not in delusion, but in visible progress. Udoka’s system is working, the locker room is buying in, and the team’s identity (gritty, fast, unselfish) is beginning to take shape.

This victory over New Orleans doesn’t guarantee a playoff run, but it shows something far more important: that belief is justified. If the Rockets can balance emotion with execution, they won’t just surprise teams but will belong among them.

The season is long, but for the first time in years, Houston looks ready to go the distance.