The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Houston Rockets, 117-107, at Toyota Center on Sunday night.

The Pelicans (34-37) came into the contest with plenty of urgency in their quest to secure their postseason spot, and they played the first half like a team on a mission while building a 64-44 lead over the first 24 minutes. The Rockets (18-53) enjoyed a brief post-intermission surge in the third quarter to knock six points from their deficit, and although Houston also outscored New Orleans by a 29-25 margin in the final period, the outcome was never in doubt. The Pels shot 49.4 percent, including 41.9 percent from behind the arc, and saw all five starters score in double digits.

Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum co-led the Pelicans with matching 26-point contributions, with Ingram adding nine assists and McCollum recording six boards and five assists. Jonas Valanciunas generated a 21-point, 12-rebound double-double that included two assists, two blocks and one steal. Trey Murphy and Herbert Jones mustered 14 and 13 points, respectively, while tallying four rebounds apiece.

Jalen Green paced the Rockets with 40 points, supplementing them four boards, one assist and one steal. Kevin Porter supplied 25 points, five rebounds and four assists. Tari Eason registered 10 points, five rebounds and one block. Alperen Sengun with nine points, seven boards, six assists, one steal and one block.

The Pelicans return home and host the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night, while the Rockets remain home and host the Golden State Warriors on Monday night.