Rockets survive huge dropoff

HOUSTON — The seemed to be rolling in the first half against New Orleans, shooting well and building a double-digit lead.

Luis Scola knew better.

“We weren’t executing the right way,” the Rockets forward said. “They came back, and that’s what happens when you don’t play good.”

Houston survived one of the worst fourth quarters in team history to hold off the Hornets 90-88 in overtime on Thursday night. scored 27 of his 32 points in the first half, grabbed a season-high 17 rebounds and the Rockets won their fifth straight game.

Barely.

“It just looked like the life was out of us,” Martin said. “But we found a way to pull out that one.”

Courtney Lee had a season-high 17 points and added 10 points and eight assists for the Rockets, who shot 3 for 21 in the fourth quarter and mustered seven points, matching a team record set three times previously.

Martin hit 10 of 14 shots in the first half, then went 2 for 6 in the fourth.

“I always tell them, ‘Give the fight, and do your best,’” New Orleans coach said. “We did everything we could to win the game.”

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