Durant Scores 26 as Rockets Rout Celtics 128-101
Kevin Durant scored 26 points in three quarters before resting in the fourth, helping the Houston Rockets defeat the Boston Celtics 128-101 on Saturday night.
Key Performances for the Rockets
- Amen Thompson contributed 17 points and 9 rebounds.
- Alperen Sengun recorded 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 assists.
- Josh Okogie added 12 points.
This win marked Houston’s third consecutive victory following an 0-2 season start and ended Boston’s three-game winning streak.
Celtics' Leading Scorers
- Baylor Scheierman led with 17 points.
- Payton Pritchard scored 14 points.
- Josh Minott tallied 10 points and 6 rebounds.
- Jaylen Brown contributed 12 points but sat out the fourth quarter after a 32-point effort in the previous game against Philadelphia.
Game Summary
The Celtics struggled to keep pace with Durant and the Rockets, who shot 57% in the first half and led 66-48 at halftime. Houston outrebounded Boston 53-36.
Durant was 8 of 11 from the field and made 8 of 9 free throws, including three consecutive technical free throws early in the third quarter as Boston’s frustration grew.
Coach Joe Mazzula received the first technical with 9:07 remaining in the third, followed by a 3-second violation and a flopping call on Chris Boucher amid Thompson’s rebound putback. Durant added a free throw from the technical fouls, pushing Houston’s lead to 74-50 with 8:41 left in the third quarter.
Author's Summary: Houston Rockets dominated the Celtics, led by Durant’s efficient scoring and strong contributions from Thompson and Sengun, ending Boston’s recent winning streak.