![\"NBA:](\"https:\/\/images.deadspin.com\/tr:w-900\/28026044.jpg\")
Jan 16, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) talks to center Clint Capela (30) and forward Kevin Durant (7) during a Minnesota Timberwolves timeout in the second half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images <\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\nThe Houston Rockets were in no position to take the short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves lightly on Friday, even with Anthony Edwards unavailable while managing a lingering foot injury.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n The Rockets needed every bit of their usual blend of efficient offense and defensive tenacity to outlast the Timberwolves 110-105 and secure their second win of a five-game homestand that continues on Sunday against the New Orleans Pelicans.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n After surrendering 34 points in the opening quarter, the Rockets locked in defensively and kept Minnesota in relative check. It marked a return to the defensive identity that yielded a surprising rise up the Western Conference standings last season.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n “It just felt good to guard again, get on the floor again,” Rockets coach Ime Udoka said. “It felt like that juice and energy were back for the first time in a while.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n “It felt like we were on the floor five, six, seven times. That’s been missing for a little bit, the 50-50 balls. Good to see that energy and juice come back.”<\/p>\n<\/section>\n In addition to their defensive pluck against the Timberwolves, the Rockets made headway with their perimeter shooting. Before knocking down 42.9% of their 3-pointers on Friday, the Rockets were mired in a lengthy slump from behind the arc, shooting 24.6% from deep over the previous seven games. Relatedly, the Rockets finished 2-5 during that stretch.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n Kevin Durant and Reed Sheppard combined to shoot 10 for 14 on 3-pointers against Minnesota, with Sheppard providing an early boost with a 3-for-3 showing in the first quarter before Durant made half of his four 3-point attempts in the final period to carry the Rockets down the stretch.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n <\/p>\n Houston’s recent shooting struggles contrasted to its early success from deep, and the team still sits tied for sixth in the NBA at 37% from distance. The Rockets remain a confident bunch, with extended slumps doing little to steer them away from their usual processes.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n “Anytime the ball goes in the game’s a lot easier, it’s a lot more fun,” Sheppard said. “But the last thing I’m worried about with this group is the shooting ability. We’ve been in the gym a lot, and I’ve seen these guys shoot. Everyone on the team can shoot extremely well.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n “That’s basketball sometimes. You’re going to make and miss shots. Unfortunately, we’ve been missing a lot, but I’ve got no doubt that will turn, and we’ll get on a roll.”<\/p>\n<\/section>\n The Pelicans’ 127-119 road loss to the Indiana Pacers on Friday marked their third defeat in four games and dropped New Orleans to 2-12 over its last 14 games.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n At first glance, it was a confounding result. The Pelicans shot 50% overall, including 41.9% from behind the arc. New Orleans finished 24 of 30 from the free-throw line, committed only nine turnovers and essentially played the Pacers to a standstill on the boards.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n However, the Pelicans surrendered 66 points in the paint and finished with a minus-19 differential on shot attempts. The little details continue to plague the Pelicans, with a consistent approach to communication atop that list.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n