With 3-pointers from Trevor Ariza and Paul, and a pass from Harden to set up Luc Mbah a Moute for a dunk, they tied the game with 2 ½ minutes Left.

After Davis put in a pair of free throws, Cousins ripped the ball away from Mbah a Moute and set up Darius Miller for a corner 3.

After Jrue Holiday drove to a lefthanded floater in the lane, Harden missed from 20 feet with 43 seconds left.

The Rockets' hope to counter the Pelicans' muscle with 3-point shooting did not work out for most of the night while only Paul and Gordon could make their shots.

Finally, the Rockets broke through that barrier, with Paul taking a steal to a layup and a three-point play, bringing them within four with eight minutes left.