Depleted Celtics Stun Sluggish Rockets In Massive Upset

Key Highlights

• Heading into its eighth game in 13 days, Joe Mazzulla’s shorthanded squad was listed as a 7.5-point underdog. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith 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. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 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.