New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen registered his third double-double on Thursday in a win over the Houston Rockets, and the 13th pick earned praise afterward for the performance.
Queen produced 16 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three blocked shots in the 133-128 victory in overtime at the Smoothie King Center. He went 7-of-16 from the field and was a plus-18 in 35 minutes as the Pelicans won their third straight game.
The 20-year-old tallied 12 points and eight rebounds in the second half alone, helping the Pelicans outscore the Rockets 74-52 to force overtime. Pelicans interim coach James Borrego liked how Queen performed and matched up with Alperen Şengün throughout the game.
“He stood the test,” Borrego said. “They were going back and forth at each other. He held his ground. He was able to make some big plays in the paint. I thought he improved as the game went along. D.Q. tends to do that. I’m learning this kid, but as the game gets further down the line, he tends to step up. He likes the big moments. He responded extremely well.”
Queen is averaging 12.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, four assists and one steal on 50% shooting from the field in 28 appearances with the Pelicans. He is seventh in rookie scoring and one of three first-year players with multiple 30-point games.
The former Maryland standout became a full-time starter on Nov. 16 and has delivered several notable performances, including a triple-double on Dec. 8. The group has been pleased with his showing and believes there is plenty of potential to tap into this season.
“There are things to learn there, and there is some growth there,” Borrego said. “We weren’t perfect all night, but to see him stand there and battle, possession by possession, make big plays, big shots, big rebounds, big blocks, that was a step forward for the young fella.”