The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 118-116, at Toyota Center on Friday evening.

The contest got out to a tight start, but the Rockets pulled away towards the end of the quarter, taking a, 31-24, lead into the second. The score stayed close through the second, but the Magic closed the quarter strong and took a two-point edge by halftime. The Magic rallied to a nine-point lead mid wad through the third, but the Rockets rallied back to take a one-point advantage heading into the final frame. The Rockets carried the momentum into the fourth and pushed ahead to a game-high 13-point advantage, with four minutes left. The Magic mounted a huge comeback to tie the game at 114, with 47 seconds on the clock, however, Eric Gordon came up clutch for the Rockets to close out their fifth straight win.

Eric Gordon led the way for the Rockets, with 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting, in 32 minutes of action. Christian Wood totaled 20 points, 14 rebounds, four rebounds, a steal and a block, while Jae'Sean Tate finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block. The Rockets shot 47 percent from the field, including 17-of-47 from deep.

Meanwhile, Cole Anthony led the Magic with 26 points, two rebounds and seven assists, in 36 minutes. Terrence Ross followed up with 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Franz Wagner added 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. The Magic shot 49 percent from the field, including 13-of-37 from long range.

The Magic (5-19) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Warriors on Monday. The Rockets (6-16) play host to the Pelicans on Sunday.