Kevin Durant scored 26 points in three quarters as the Houston Rockets cruised past the Boston Celtics 128-101 at TD Garden on Saturday night.
Amen Thompson added 17 points and nine rebounds, while Alperen Sengun just missed a triple-double with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Jabari Smith Jr. and Josh Okogie each contributed 12 points for Houston.
Baylor Scheierman led the Celtics with 17 points, and Payton Pritchard added 14, but Boston struggled to match the Rockets’ efficiency and intensity. Jaylen Brown, who led Boston with 32 points in Friday’s win over Philadelphia, sat out the fourth quarter.
The Rockets dominated early, shooting 57% in the first half and building an 18-point lead at halftime. Durant scored 12 in the first quarter and 20 by the break, keeping Boston on the back foot throughout.
Houston’s third-quarter surge extended the lead to 97-72, forcing Boston fans to begin leaving TD Garden as reserves for both teams played the fourth. Durant’s free-throw streak, bolstered by technical fouls called on the Celtics, added to Houston’s commanding advantage.
The Rockets outrebounded Boston 53-36 and maintained control on both ends of the floor. Houston converted 54.5% of their shots overall and made 19 of 29 free throws.
Boston struggled offensively, shooting just 38.8% from the field and 31.8% from three-point range, with the team out of rhythm throughout the game. Josh Minott scored 10 points, and Derrick White managed five, but the Celtics could not close the gap.
Houston improves to 3-2 on the season with the win, their third straight after an 0-2 start, while Boston drops to 3-4 and ends a three-game win streak. The Rockets host Dallas on Monday, and the Celtics welcome Utah later the same day.
