Inside The Celtics

Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Steamrolled Rockets in Ime Udoka's Return

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown combine for 59 points as Celtics trounce Rockets in Ime Udoka's return to Boston.

Bobby Krivitsky

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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When Celtics PA Announcer Eddie Palladino introduced Ime Udoka before the start of Saturday night's matchup, the Houston Rockets head coach and Boston's former bench boss received a mixed reaction of cheers and boos from the TD Garden faithful.

His night didn't improve, as the hosts improved to 19-0 on their parquet, building on the franchise record they set with a 127-120 overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, already making this their best home start to a season.

Jaylen Brown (32 points) and Jayson Tatum (27) combined for 59 points in the victory, though the latter's evening ended early thanks to a fourth-quarter ejection. 

But by then, the Celtics had already quieted Alperen Sengun after he manufactured 16 points in the first half but only produced three more after halftime.

That's a reflection of Boston playing with more force defensively in a third frame where it outscored Houston 43-28, breaking the game open.

Now for a deep dive into what stood out as Saturday night's win, improving their NBA-leading record to 30-9, unfolded.

1. The start of Saturday's game between the Celtics and Rockets felt like two fighters trying to feel each other out in the opening round. Most instances of either side being willing to switch into attack mode came in transition, with both sides feeding off the other's three giveaways in the first frame.

2. Jayson Tatum didn't score until forcing a turnover and taking off for a two-handed jam with 2:18 left in the opening quarter. Still, he finished the first 12 minutes with seven points, including burying a three to beat the buzzer, then blowing a kiss to the crowd as the hosts took a 35-31 lead into the second period.

3. Boston had considerable trouble containing Alperen Sengun in the second frame. The third-year center from Turkey generated ten points, producing most from the paint, craftily getting past Luke Kornet, Kristaps Porzingis, and most of the methods Joe Mazzulla tried to slow him down.

Sengun entered halftime with a team-leading 16 points on 7/12 shooting. Interestingly enough, the one individual who had success guarding him was Jayson Tatum, including keeping him in front on a possession that ended with a rejection by Brown on Jabari Smith Jr. that sent TD Garden into a frenzy.

That Tatum proved Boston's best option to guard Sengun in the opening half is a testament to the soon-to-be five-time All-Star's defensive capabilities and versatility. However, given his offensive workload, the Celtics have to responsibly manage what's asked of him at that end of the floor.

4. And while the Rockets constantly double-teaming Tatum and Jaylen Brown had some success and is at the root of why the latter only had 11 points after the game's first 24 minutes, the former eventually broke through.

Even before that happened, the hosts' ball movement and their stars' willingness to pass out of double teams often led to quality looks. That selflessness translated to the Celtics shooting 56.1 percent from the field, including 12/24 from beyond the arc in the first half. They also assisted on 12/23 field goals.

5. But once Tatum started heating up, which began late in the first quarter, the contest started to get away from Houston. The three-time All-NBA selection knocked down 3/4 threes he hoisted in the second frame and made 5/8 shots that period. He entered intermission with 22 points, pacing all participants.

Still, the hosts went into the break with an 11-point edge, 69-58, meaning that for as well as they played in the second quarter, the visitors were still within striking distance.

6. Unfortunately for the Rockets, the third frame was when the Celtics delivered a knockout blow, outscoring them 43-28.

The latter was at its best defensively, playing on a string and consistently contesting shots, limiting Houston to 34.6 percent shooting from the field, including 2/8 (25 percent) from three-point range.

7. Consistently getting stops fueled a relentless up-tempo attack that fueled effective ball movement and quality, in-rhythm attempts.

And after the other half of Boston's star wing tandem broke out in the second period, Jaylen Brown erupted in the third, generating 21 points, beating defenders off the dribble, pushing the pace off misses, and burying 4/5 threes.

8. The party at TD Garden did take a hit when Tatum got ejected for an extended-expression of his frustration with the lack of a foul call, resulting in two technicals. On his way to the locker room, he leaned in and delivered a final message to the referee who tossed him.

9. Still, the Celtics had entered the final 12 minutes with a commanding 112-86 advantage, allowing their other starters to take it easy while the extended rotation applied the finishing touches on their 145-113 victory.

10. The Celtics now head north of the border for a game against the Toronto Raptors on Monday night. That matchup will tip off at 7:30 EST.

Further Reading

Ime Udoka Shares How He Felt After Celtics Suspended Him: 'We've Talked It Out'

Marcus Smart in Danger of Missing Return to Boston

Here's What Stood Out as Crucial Adjustment Ignites Jayson Tatum, Propels Celtics Past Timberwolves to Remain Unbeaten at Home

Jrue Holiday Responds to Celtics Saying He's Sacrificing Most: 'Not Mad at My Situation'

Oshae Brissett Making Strong Case to Fill Celtics' Search for Big Wing

Driven by Championship Pursuit, Jayson Tatum Unfazed by Sacrifice, Less Fanfare: 'Don't Look for That Praise'

Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So

Derrick White Opens Up About Journey from Uncertainty He Belonged in the NBA to an All-Star Caliber Guard

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'

Published
Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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