The Boston Celtics extended their winning streak to three games with a commanding 109-86 victory over the Houston Rockets on Friday night. Boston improved to 26-9 for the season, while Houston fell to 22-12 after losing three of their last four games.

Derrick White led the Celtics with 23 points, shooting 6-for-12 from beyond the arc, while Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard each contributed 20 points. Kristaps Porzingis added 11 points and five rebounds in his return after missing four games with a sprained ankle.

Boston controlled the game from the start and took a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter. The Celtics opened the final period with an 11-0 run, capped by three-pointers from White, Porzingis, and Pritchard, extending their lead to 21 points.

Houston’s offense struggled to find rhythm, shooting just 36.4% from the field. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 27 points on 10-for-21 shooting, but his teammates were largely ineffective. Cam Whitmore managed only 11 points on a poor 4-for-17 shooting performance, and Dillon Brooks added 10 points but missed nine of his 13 shots.

The Rockets were further hampered by injuries and suspensions. Jabari Smith Jr. missed the game after fracturing a bone in his hand during shootaround, sidelining him for up to two months. Amen Thompson completed a two-game suspension and is expected to step into a larger role in Smith’s absence.

Boston excelled defensively, limiting Houston’s perimeter shooting to 27.8% while forcing 11 turnovers. White, Jrue Holiday, and Tatum combined for four steals, and the team collectively blocked eight shots. Luke Kornet delivered a strong performance off the bench with nine points, 10 rebounds, and four assists.

The Celtics managed without Jaylen Brown for the second straight game as he recovers from a shoulder strain.

Houston’s 38-year-old Jeff Green made his first start of the season, filling in for Smith. The veteran contributed seven points and five rebounds in 29 minutes.