Depleted Celtics Stun Sluggish Rockets In Massive Upset
Despite missing several key players, Boston still destroyed Houston
The Boston Celtics were in rough shape entering Wednesday’s contest against the Houston Rockets. Not only were they on the second night of a road back-to-back, but they were also without Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Sam Hauser, Chris Boucher and Anfernee Simons.
Not surprisingly, the Celtics were considered big underdogs against the Rockets, who were 8-2 over their last 10 and owned the best home record (17-4) in the Western Conference. Heading into its eighth game in 13 days, Joe Mazzulla’s shorthanded squad was listed as a 7.5-point underdog.
With an underwhelming starting five of Baylor Scheierman, Luka Garza, Neemias Queta, Ron Harper Jr. and Derrick White, Boston appeared to be punting the game against Houston’s more talented lineup.
However, if this season has taught NBA fans anything, it’s that the Celtics should never be counted out.
Instead of getting crushed, the Celtics pulled off arguably their biggest upset of the season, routing the Rockets 114-93.
The game got off to a slow start with both teams combining for just 35 points in the first quarter. Things picked up in the second quarter, however, and Boston ran away with the game in the third quarter, outscoring Houston 36-21.
The Rockets came out flat and simply collapsed as the Celtics pulled away in the second half. Ime Udoka got ejected after receiving back-to-back technical fouls at the end of the third quarter, while Alperun Sengun was ejected in the fourth for arguing a missed foul call with the referees.
As expected, White and Payton Pritchard led the way for Boston with 28 and 27 points, respectively. They also combined for 11 3-pointers and 15 assists.
Queta and Scheierman both had big double-doubles for the Celtics. Queta racked up 19 rebounds — one shy of his career high — and 10 points, while Scheierman grabbed a career-high 10 rebounds along with 15 points.
Harper also stepped up and nearly had a double-double in his first career start, finishing with 11 points and nine rebounds. Not surprisingly, Boston dominated the boards, outrebounding Houston 57-38.
After winning both ends of their back-to-back in Texas, the Celtics will take a four-game winning streak back to Boston with them as they prepare to host the Miami Heat on Friday and the New York Knicks on Super Bowl Sunday.
