Rockets rout Pelicans, 122-100

Posted: December 16, 2016 -- 10:04 pm CST.

HOUSTON, TX (Toyota Center) -- The winning ways continued Friday night for the Houston Rockets as the Rockets crushed the New Orleans Pelicans 122-100 in front of an announced crowd of 16,728 fans. Tonight's win is the Rockets' ninth-straight victory; and, the winning streak is the longest streak since the franchise-best 22-game winning streak from January 29, 2008, through March 16, 2008. The streak is also tied for the 6th-longest winning streak in team history.

James Harden had 29 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds for his second-consecutive triple-double, his 6th of the season; and, his franchise-record 15th triple-double in his Rockets' career. Harden surpasses Hakeem Olajuwon for the most triple-doubles in team history.

"For me, it's an unbelievable accomplishment," Harden said. "Credit my teammates for obviously knocking down the shots. But, it just comes in the flow - in the flow, my teammates, coaches. I just try to make an impact on the game, man. That's all.

"We've got so many shooters around you. Makes the job easier."

Eric Gordon scored a season-high 29 points in just 28 minutes of action off the bench. Gordon hit 7 threes tonight; and, he's hit at least 3 threes in 12 consecutive games to tie for the fourth-longest streak in NBA history. He's made 100 threes thus far this season (one behind Golden State's Steph Curry).

The Rockets led the Pelicans 35-24 after the first quarter and 72-50 at halftime. Harden posted 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists in the opening half.

The Pelicans scored the first 6 points of the third quarter; but, Patrick Beverley nailed a 3-point shot to get the Rockets on the board in the period. The lead ballooned to 23 four times in the third quarter. The Pelicans scored the final five points of the third quarter to reduce the Rockets' lead to 18 (97-79) after 36 minutes.

The Rockets attempted an NBA-record 61 three-point shots in the ball game and made an NBA-record 24. Ryan Anderson sank the record-breaking three with less than two minutes remaining in the game. Anderson made just 2 of his 8 three-point attempts tonight.

The Rockets have hit 20 plus three-pointers in a game three times this season -- after doing so just twice prior in franchise history. The Rockets have made at least 15 threes in four consecutive games -- the longest streak in NBA history. They have made 15 plus three point shots 14 times this season. Entering tonight, no other team had more than four games doing so this season.

"If we do our job, we can be pretty tough out there," said Rockets' head coach Mike D'Antoni after the game.

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