The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans, 117-109, at Toyota Center on Sunday evening.

The Pelicans got out to a good start on the road, with an early 16-7 lead, but the Rockets battled back to take a two-point lead by the end of the quarter. The Pelicans kept it close through the second, but the Rockets held on to take five-point lead into halftime. The Pelicans started the third on a 7-0 run to take an edge, and they held the advantage for most of the quarter, before taking a one-point lead into the final frame. The Rockets picked up the intensity in the fourth and outscored the visitors 25-16 in the quarter, to walk away with their second straight win.

James Harden led the Rockets with 40 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and two blocks, in 39 minutes. Russell Westbrook added 22 points, seven assists, six rebounds and a steal, while Ben McLemore added 22 points on 6-of-12 shooting. The Rockets shot 39 percent from the field, including 16-of-51 from long range.

Meanwhile, Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 28 points, 12 rebounds and three assists, in 38 minutes. Zion Williamson addled 21 points, 10 rebounds, a steal and a block, while Lonzo Ball tallied 10 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, three steals and two blocks. The Pelicans shot 45 percent from the field, including 10-of-33 from long range.

The Pelicans (20-30) will look to bounce back as they host the Bucks on Tuesday. The Rockets (31-18) play host to the Hornets on Tuesday.