Derrick White knocked down six 3-pointers and scored 28 points as the Boston Celtics pulled away in the second half to defeat the Houston Rockets 114-93 on Wednesday night at Toyota Center. The win extended Boston’s streak to four games and kept the club tied for third in the Eastern Conference at 32-18, while Houston dropped to 31-18.
The Celtics were without Jaylen Brown, who sat out with left hamstring tightness on the second night of a back-to-back. Boston compensated with perimeter shooting and control of the glass, finishing with a 57-38 rebounding advantage.
Payton Pritchard provided a major boost off the bench with 27 points, seven assists and five made 3-pointers in 33 minutes. His scoring helped stabilize the offense during non-starting units and widened the gap during the decisive stretch.
Houston trailed by four early in the third quarter before Boston erupted on an 18-3 run fueled by ball movement and three-point shooting. White and Baylor Scheierman combined for four triples during that span, turning a tight game into a double-digit margin.
Amen Thompson briefly halted the surge with a basket, but the visitors responded with a 10-1 run to make it 77-51 midway through the third. White scored the first eight points of that sequence, including back-to-back 3-pointers that forced a Rockets timeout.
The quarter ended with controversy as Rockets coach Ime Udoka was ejected after receiving two technical fouls while arguing a loose-ball call. Boston capitalized at the line, converting four free throws to take an 87-63 lead into the fourth quarter.
Houston’s frustration continued when Alperen Sengun was ejected midway through the final period after picking up two technical fouls following a no-call. The Rockets struggled to recover, managing just 93 points on 41% shooting.
Kevin Durant led Houston with 15 points in his return after missing Monday’s game with a sprained left ankle. Sengun finished with 13 points and nine rebounds after posting 39 points and 16 boards earlier in the week against Indiana.
Boston also received strong interior production from Neemias Queta, who recorded 10 points and a career-high 19 rebounds. Luka Garza added 19 points and nine rebounds, while the Celtics finished with 19 made 3-pointers and 26 assists.
The Celtics continue their homestand Friday against Miami, while the Rockets remain at home to face Charlotte on Thursday as they look to rebound in the Western Conference standings.
