ROCKETS 84, HORNETS 77: Chase Budinger scored 27 points and Houston overcame a terrible start to rally past visiting New Orleans in the regular-season finale.

Houston was shooting just 17 percent at one point in the first half, but slowly worked its way back and limited the Hornets to just six points in the fourth quarter.

The Rockets took their first lead of the game with 1:18 to play on Marcus Morris’ 3-pointer.

Greg Smith added a tipped dunk and Goran Dragic made two free throws to put the Rockets ahead 84-77.

Samuel Dalembert had 11 points and 11 rebounds and Courtney Lee scored 10 for the Rockets (34-32).

New Orleans’ Darryl Watkins had his first NBA double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

New Orleans lost despite making 18 of 30 free throws. Houston made 11 of 14.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Gustavo Ayon (concussion) sat out. Hornets coach Monty Williams said Ayon (Mexico), Al-Farouq Aminu (Nigeria) and Greivis Vasquez (Venezuela) are expected to play for national teams this summer.