Early in the Boston Celtics tilt with the Houston Rockets, it looked like the Celtics might not be taking the Rockets as seriously as they should with Houston’s defense under former Boston head coach Ime Udoka stifling the Celtics while Boston let their opponents score almost at will.
But then the clamps came out midway through the second frame, and anything resembling efficient offense from the Rockets disappeared while the rim grew to the size of one of the Great Lakes for the Celtics as Boston demolished Houston 145-113. Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 32 points, 6 rebounds, rebounds, and 2 blocks, and — even being ejected for arguing a call too much — Jayson Tatum was not far behind with 27 points, 8 boards, 5 dimes, and 2 technical fouls (he probably deserved it, but he was also right).
All five starters scored in double figures despite sitting for much of the final frame, and the bench saw Payton Pritchard chip in another 19 points on a sizzling 7-of-10 shooting night from the floor.
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— Dr. Justin Quinn (@justinquinnn) January 10, 2024
With the win, the Celtics improve to 30-9 on the season, and next face the Toronto Raptors in Canada on Monday, Jan. 15.
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