Rockets Overcome Late-Game Execution Woes In Victory Over Celtics

Behind Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr., the Houston Rockets overcame their late-game execution woes to take a home victory over the Celtics.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets have struggled with opposing players having a scoring outburst against them this season. And in Monday's 111-109 win over the Boston Celtics, the Rockets had another daunting challenge in the likes of Jaylen Brown.

Brown led the Celtics with 43 points (16-25 FG, 4-10 3PT). But the Rockets had a pair of players who matched Brown's scoring output in Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. Houston's duo scored a combined 52 points. 

Green set an early tone for Houston by scoring 16 of his 28 points during the first quarter. 

The Rockets held a 31-29 lead entering the second quarter. But behind a nine-point period by Smith, the Rockets led the Celtics 62-55 by halftime. Smith finished the game with 24 points on 9-for-11 shooting, 5-for-6 from behind the arc, which marked his third consecutive game of scoring 20 or more points. 

Houston pushed their halftime lead up to 15 points with 8 minutes and 24 seconds left in the third quarter. But the Celtics began to cut into Houston's lead due to the emergence of Jayson Tatum. 

Tatum scored nine points on 3-for-12 shooting, 1-for-7 from behind the arc during the first half. But in the third quarter alone, Tatum erupted for 13 points on 5-for-7 shooting to pull the Celtics within five points (85-80) entering the fourth period. He finished with 22 points in the loss.

The Celtics opened the fourth quarter on a 7-2 run. But Usman Garuba and K.J. Martin helped the Rockets regain their composure with three consecutive triples. Martin finished the game with 20 points and seven rebounds. 

Kevin Porter Jr. left the game late in the fourth quarter after re-aggravating his toe injury. He returned to the game and finished with 14 points, 13 assists and six rebounds. 

The Rockets held a 106-97 lead with 2 minutes and 57 seconds left in the fourth quarter, but late-game execution nearly led to a Celtics' comeback victory. 

Boston outscored the Rockets 10-2 in the final two minutes to come within a point (108-107). Green drilled a pair of clutch free throws to give the Rockets a late three-point lead.

Alperen Sengun was a late-game scratch due to an injury:

Alperen Sengun was a late-game scratch due to a left groin strain. Coach Stephen Silas said Sengun was scheduled to play until he began to complain about pain during shootaround. 

Rockets vs. Celtics regular-season series ends:

The Rockets' two-game regular-season series ended in a 1-1 record against the Celtics. Houston dropped its first game against Boston on Dec. 27 in a 126-102 road loss.

Up Next:

The Rockets will continue their six-game homestand Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. Houston will then take on the New Orleans Pelicans in a two-game mini-series inside the Toyota Center.

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