By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: 02:56 GMT, 14 March 2026 | Updated: 02:56 GMT, 14 March 2026
HOUSTON (AP) - Kevin Durant hit a go-ahead 18-footer with 7.6 seconds left and the Houston Rockets outlasted the New Orleans Pelicans 107-105 on Friday night to move into third place in the crowded Western Conference.
Durant scored 32 points two nights after matching his season low with 11 in a blowout loss at Denver. Against the Pelicans, he was 13 of 24 from the field and had six rebounds and five assists.
Amen Thompson added 23 points for Houston in the opener of five-game homestand. Reed Sheppard scored 18 points, and Jabari Smith Jr. had 16.
Dejounte Murray led New Orleans with 35 points, but stepped out of bounds with the Pelicans up a point with 13 seconds remaining. After Durant put the Rockets ahead, Zion Williamson threw the ball out of bounds, and Durant hit two free throws to put it away.
Murray was 14 of 18 from the field, hitting 4 of 5 3 pointers.
Williamson had 21 points. The Pelicans had won won two straight and three of four.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) defends against Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Houston, Friday, March 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Pelicans: Host Dallas on Monday night.
Rockets: Host the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday and Wednesday nights.
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Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in Houston, Friday, March 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) and forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) defend against New Orleans Pelicans guard Saddiq Bey during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Houston, Friday, March 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant dunks during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in Houston, Friday, March 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) shoots a 3-pointer against New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Houston, Friday, March 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)