In a commanding display, the Houston Rockets defeated the Boston Celtics 128-101 on March 23, 2024. Kevin Durant led the charge with 26 points, showcasing his scoring prowess in just three quarters before resting during the final period. The Rockets’ victory marked their third consecutive win after a slow start to the season, improving their record to 3-2, while the Celtics saw their three-game winning streak come to an end.
The game, held at the Toyota Center in Houston, featured impressive performances from other Rockets players. Amen Thompson contributed 17 points and nine rebounds, and Alperen Sengun nearly secured a triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Both Jabari Smith Jr. and Josh Okogie added 12 points each, further solidifying the Rockets’ offensive effort.
Boston struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match. Baylor Scheierman led the Celtics with 17 points, while Payton Pritchard contributed 14 points. Jaylen Brown, who scored a notable 32 points the previous night against the Philadelphia 76ers, managed only 12 points in this game. The Celtics’ inability to maintain momentum was evident, as they fell behind early, trailing 66-48 by halftime.
The Rockets displayed dominance in key areas, particularly in rebounding, where they outmatched the Celtics 53-36. Houston shot an impressive 57 percent in the first half, effectively capitalizing on Boston’s missteps. Durant’s efficiency was highlighted by his 8-of-11 shooting from the field and his near-perfect performance from the free-throw line, hitting 8 of 9 attempts.
As frustrations mounted for the Celtics, tensions boiled over in the third quarter, leading to multiple technical fouls. Joe Mazzula, the Celtics’ head coach, received a technical foul early in the period. This was followed by a 3-second violation and a flopping call against Chris Boucher, further compounding Boston’s struggles. Durant took advantage of the situation, scoring a free throw from the technical foul and extending the Rockets’ lead to 74-50.
By the end of the third quarter, Houston had established a commanding 97-72 lead, prompting many Boston fans to exit the arena early. With the game well in hand, both teams substituted in their reserves for the final quarter.
The Rockets will look to continue their winning streak when they host the Dallas Mavericks on March 25, while the Celtics will aim to rebound against the Utah Jazz on the same day. As both teams prepare for their next matchups, Houston’s recent form and Durant’s standout performance serve as a reminder of their potential this season.
