HOUSTON — The Boston Celtics secured a convincing 109-86 win against the Houston Rockets on Friday night, led by Derrick White, who scored 23 points. Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard also contributed significantly with 20 points each, showcasing a strong offensive performance from the Celtics.
After rounding off the third quarter with a 10-point lead, Boston began the final period with a burst of energy, scoring the first 11 points to extend their lead to 93-72. During this run, White, Kristaps Porzingis, and Pritchard each hit three-pointers, enabling the Celtics to comfortably distance themselves from their opponents and enjoy their third consecutive victory.
With about four and a half minutes left in the game and Boston leading by 21 points, head coach Joe Mazzulla opted to substitute out his starters. Porzingis made a solid return from a sprained left ankle, adding 11 points and grabbing five rebounds.
For the Rockets, Jalen Green was the top scorer with 27 points, but the team suffered their third loss in four games.
In terms of key takeaways, the Celtics were able to control the game without Jaylen Brown, who sat out for the second consecutive match due to a shoulder strain. Sam Hauser, who stepped in for Brown in the previous game with 15 points, was unable to score any points on this occasion.
On the side of the Rockets, veteran Jeff Green made his first start of the season, as they received news on Friday that Jabari Smith Jr. could be sidelined for up to two months after sustaining a hand injury during a shootaround. As a result, Amen Thompson, the Rockets’ fourth pick in the 2023 draft, will take on a more prominent role following a two-game suspension he just completed due to a fight with Miami’s Tyler Herro last weekend.
One of the pivotal moments in the game occurred when the Celtics embarked on their significant run to open the fourth quarter, ultimately broadening their lead to 21 points.
In terms of shooting efficiency, the Rockets struggled, making only 32 out of 88 attempts, with Green going 10 for 21 and Cam Whitmore struggling with a mere 4 for 17.
Looking ahead, the Celtics are set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, while the Rockets will host the Los Angeles Lakers that same evening.
