HOUSTON — In the fourth game of a five-game homestand at Toyota Center, Jabari Smith Jr. led the way in Sunday’s 119-110 victory (box score) over the New Orleans Pelicans.
With the win, Houston improved to 25-15 and remains at No. 5 in the tightly packed Western Conference standings. New Orleans (10-35) is in last place.
Smith led the way with a season-high 32 points and 8 rebounds while making 11-of-21 shots (52.4%), including 7-of-13 from 3-point range (53.8%).
Amen Thompson added 20 points (71.4% FG), 8 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Alperen Sengun (60.0% FG) had 21 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals, and 4 assists.
The performances from those young players helped the Rockets overcome an unusually inefficient night from veteran star Kevin Durant, who had 18 points and 8 assists while making just 5-of-18 shots (27.8%) and 1-of-8 from 3-point range (12.5%).
Durant did make 7-of-8 free throws, and the final two allowed him to pass Dirk Nowitzki for the No. 6 spot on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
From one legend to another 🤝
Dirk Nowitzki congratulates Kevin Durant on becoming 𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐥𝐥-𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 in @NBA scoring.@KDTrey5 | #AllFirepic.twitter.com/NPzptdzDRG
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 19, 2026
Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 20 points (52.9% FG), 6 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Unfortunately, the win came at a cost for the Rockets, who lost veteran center Steven Adams (10 rebounds in 27 minutes) to an ankle sprain midway through the second half. Head coach Ime Udoka said postgame that swelling was already present, and a return timetable is not yet clear.
Postgame update from Udoka: “Sprained ankle. Lots of swelling already. Nothing broken.” https://t.co/2tLscruEI3
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) January 19, 2026
Next up for the Rockets is Tuesday’s homestand finale versus the San Antonio Spurs, an in-state rival who currently owns the No. 2 spot (29-13) in the West standings.
Tipoff is at 7:00 p.m. Central, and the game will be televised regionally on Space City Home Network and to a national audience via NBC and Peacock.
The Rockets are now 14-3 at Toyota Center this season.
KD reflected on his previous battles with Dirk and said there were times he even “hated” Dirk bc it was so difficult to get past those Mavs teams.
Looking back now, Durant says he’s taken a lot from Dirk’s game and added to his game, which is the ultimate sign of respect. https://t.co/87A98tOPGu
— Will Guillory (@WillGuillory) January 19, 2026
Steven Adams is hurt — lower left leg. He was helped off the floor. This one looks very concerning. pic.twitter.com/Bs16Rl4qBa
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) January 19, 2026
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Jabari Smith Jr. scores season-high 32 as Rockets improve to 25-15
