Short-Handed Rockets Put Up Hard-Fought Effort in Loss to Celtics

The short-handed Houston Rockets fought hard but could not overcome a disappointing defeat to the Boston Celtics.

HOUSTON — Dealing with injuries on the second night of a back-to-back will always result in a recipe for failure. The Houston Rockets found themselves in this unfavorable situation Sunday night during their interconference match against the Boston Celtics, which led to a 116-107 loss inside the Toyota Center.

The Rockets trailed by double-figures several times during the first half but refused to allow the Celtics to blow them out on their home floor. Each time Boston appeared to be on the verge of a comfortable win, the Rockets cut their lead down to single digits.

They entered halftime trailing Boston 70-55. But after opening the third quarter on a 16-5 run, the Rockets cut their deficit to nine with 7:46 left in the period. The momentum established led to Houston winning the third quarter 25-20.

Dillon Brooks' layup brought the Rockets within three points (93-90) with 8:40 left in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, Houston could not sustain its momentum after Boston went on a 5-0 run.

Brooks led the way with 24 points on 8 of 23 shooting, 5 of 15 from behind the arc. Alperen Şengün recorded his third career triple-double with 24 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Jalen Green finished with 16 points on 7 of 18 shooting.

Kristaps Porziņģis led the way for Boston with a season-high 32 points on 11 of 20 shooting. Derrick White also added 21 points and 11 rebounds in the win.

Rockets guard Jalen Green drives to the net against Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) in the second quarter at Toyota Center / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore receive their first career starts amid injuries:

The Rockets were extremely short-handed against the Celtics. A left ankle sprain sidelined Jabari Smith Jr., while a lower-back injury forced Fred VanVleet to miss Sunday's game.

The absences led to rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore receiving their first career starts.

Thompson had an impressive night by notching his first double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds. He also added five assists, showcasing his skill set as an all-around player. Whitmore struggled for most of the night. He finished with five points on 2 of 7 shooting in 27 minutes.

Too much Kristaps Porziņģis:

If not for the performance by Kristaps Porziņģis, the Rockets may have had a better chance of pulling off an improbable victory. Porziņģis set an early tone for the Celtics by connecting on three of his first five attempts. While scoring a season-high in points, Porziņģis shot 11 of 21 from the field, and 6 of 11 from behind the arc.