SOLOMON Hill had a career-high 30 points, hitting six triples, as the Pelicans, without All-Star DeMarcus Cousins, survived a 41-point performance from James Harden to score 128-112 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday in New Orleans (Saturday, Manila time).
Anthony Davis had 24 points and 15 rebounds for New Orleans, which has won three of its last four games.
Jrue Holiday added 19 points despite early foul trouble.
Harden finished with 41 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists, but the triple double was not enough as the Rockets saw its three-game winning streak snapped. Lou Williams added 14 points and Montrezl Harrell 13.
Left knee and rib soreness caused Cousins to miss the game. New Orleans is now 2-0 without Cousins and 3-7 when he's played since he arrived via trade last Feb. 19.