Houston Rockets guard Corey Brewer (33) shoots between New Orleans Pelicans center Alexis Ajinca (42) and forward Dante Cunningham (44) while falling in the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Ryan Anderson scored 22 points, Tyreke Evans added 21 and the New Orleans Pelicans routed the Houston Rockets 111-83 on Friday night.
Dante Cunningham added 13 points for New Orleans, which opened a double-digit lead in the second quarter and led by as much as 32 in the second half.
Omer Asik grabbed 11 rebounds, and Anthony Davis accounted for three of the Pelicans' eight blocked shots.
Dwight Howard scored 12 points and James Harden had 11 for Houston, all in the first half. With his starters ineffective early in the third quarter, coach Kevin McHale opted to play reserves during most of the second half, a move apparently designed to send a message while resting prominent players in advance of Houston's return to action Saturday night.
Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale reacts to a call in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The Associated Press
Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) shoots over New Orleans Pelicans center Omer Asik (3) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The Associated Press
New Orleans Pelicans head coach Monty Williams reacts to a call in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets, Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
The Associated Press