Rockets Seize Control Early
The Houston Rockets established an early lead that they would never relinquish, defeating the visiting Boston Celtics 109-93 on Monday at Toyota Center. Alperen Sengun was the engine behind Houston's offense, recording 26 points and 10 assists in a performance that anchored the team's 7-1 record.
The home crowd of 18,055 witnessed a balanced attack from the Rockets, who moved to the top of their division with the win. Boston, now 5-2, struggled to keep pace with Houston's pace and execution throughout the four quarters.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
The game was tight in the opening frames, with the Celtics matching the Rockets 29-29 at the end of the first quarter. However, Houston pulled ahead in the second period, outscoring Boston 28-21 to take a 57-50 halftime lead.
The third quarter saw the Celtics attempt a comeback, scoring 23 points to Houston's 25, but the Rockets maintained their advantage, entering the final period up 82-73. In the fourth quarter, Houston extended their lead decisively, outscoring Boston 27-20 to secure the 16-point victory. The final score stood at 109 for Houston and 93 for Boston.
Standout Performances
Sengun's double-double was the highlight for Houston, complemented by Jabari Smith Jr., who secured 10 rebounds. The Rockets' backcourt and frontcourt synergy was evident in their ball movement, with Sengun finding open teammates for high-percentage shots. For Boston, Jayson Tatum led all scorers with 19 points, also contributing 9 assists and 6 rebounds.
Despite Tatum's all-around effort, the Celtics could not overcome Houston's consistent scoring and defensive pressure. The game featured several key plays, including three-pointers from both teams, but the Rockets' ability to convert in the paint and on transition proved decisive.
Final Records and Context
With this victory, the Rockets improve to a 7-1 record, solidifying their position in the Western Conference. The Celtics drop to 5-2, marking a setback in their early-season schedule. The game was played on November 2, 2026, at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
No playoff or series context was provided, as this was a regular-season matchup. The Rockets' performance demonstrated a well-rounded team capable of controlling the game's tempo, while the Celtics showed flashes of brilliance but lacked the consistency needed to compete with Houston's top-tier execution.
Sources
ESPN
