Another fourth quarter collapse fells Rockets against Pelicans

Photo courtesy of Bob Level

It was another painful growing lesson for the Houston Rockets on Sunday evening. Another late collapse from Houston saw them drop their fourth straight game, this time against the New Orleans Pelicans by a score of 122-115.

The Rockets once again got off to a painfully slow start. Houston was outscored 38-27 to begin the game, equal parts a middling opening shooting display by the Rockets and an explosive first quarter for the Pelicans, who were without either of Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram.

It was a surprise candidate who picked up the slack in their absence -- Lonzo Ball. Ball, who was recently a big trade candidate at the now-expired trade deadline, set a career-high in three pointers made, with eight. All of his made shots were threes. He finished with 27 points and nine assists.

Opposite of Ball, Houston's Kevin Porter Jr. struggled to get things going. Porter Jr. would end up shooting 5-15 with only 12 points, though somewhat salvaging his night with five assists and rebounds each. Playing without John Wall, who is out due to injury, the Rockets have attempted to up Porter Jr.'s experience in pro ball to quicken his development.

Most of the Rockets starters struggled offensively, with one key outlier. Rookie Jae'Sean Tate was once again phenomenal, shooting 7-11 with 19 points, along with five rebounds and three assists.

Kelly Olynyk also notched a career-high in points off the bench, going for 26 points in the loss. Houston's bench also outscored the Pelicans' by a 56-35 margin.

Despite the slow start, their defense arrived in the third and managed to hold New Orleans down just enough to grab a lead heading to the fourth quarter. Houston outscored the Pels by a 33-19 margin in the third, leading 92-89 before the final frame.

Things fell apart after that. Houston would score their lowest point total of all quarters, 23, in the fourth, while New Orleans would score 33 en route to a Pelicans win.

"This is the learning process we go through," Coach Stephen Silas said after the game. "We have to learn it’s about winning in the fourth quarter. Up and down with the emotions, we can’t let that distract us when we’re trying to win a game in the fourth."

The Rockets, now with a record of 13-36, will have a short turnaround when they face the Phoenix Suns on Monday. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 PM CT.