Rockets Clinch Franchise Wins Record with Victory over Pelicans

The Houston Rockets hit another milestone in their historic 2017-18 season with a franchise-record 59th win on Saturday. 

The Rockets cruised past the New Orleans Pelicans 114-91 at the Toyota Center for their history-making victory:

Having been one of the NBA's best teams over the previous four seasons, winning at least 50 games three times during that stretch, the Rockets have launched themselves into the NBA stratosphere this season. 

Houston's 59-14 record after Saturday's win extends its lead over the Golden State Warriors for the best record in the Western Conference to 4.5 games. 

The Rockets knocked off the Pelicans, who have a respectable 43-31 record, without Chris Paul in the lineup with a sore hamstring. James Harden led the way with a game-high 27 points. Clint Capela chipped in with 18 points and 16 rebounds. 

When the Rockets last set a new franchise record for wins in the regular season during the 1993-94 season (58-24), they went on to capture their first NBA title. 

This year's Houston squad has proved itself to be capable of making a run like that team did with the playoffs starting in just three weeks.