On Monday night, the Boston Celtics traveled to Houston for the second game of a back‑to‑back series, following a road game in Orlando the previous day. Fatigue appeared to be a factor, as the Celtics never found a rhythm on offense and fell behind early against the Rockets.
Shooting woes cripple Boston
Boston’s star forward Jayson Tatum managed just one three‑pointer on seven attempts and finished 5‑for‑16 overall. Guard Derrick White was 3‑for‑12 from the floor, while bench contributors Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard combined for a combined 1‑for‑13 shooting night. The Celtics never held a lead, and their inability to convert shots allowed Houston to pull away in the fourth quarter.
Alperen Şengün shines for Houston
Houston’s rookie forward Alperen Şengün delivered a standout performance, scoring 26 points, dishing out 10 assists, and pulling down seven rebounds. He also added two steals and two blocks, showcasing his all‑around impact on both ends of the court.
Missing veteran presence
The Celtics were without veteran Paul George, who was rested after the previous night’s game. While his absence was noted, the team’s broader shooting struggles meant that even a return of a single player would not have altered the outcome.
Final score and implications
The Rockets secured the win, ending Boston’s impressive streak and highlighting the challenges of back‑to‑back travel in the NBA. The loss drops the Celtics back to a .500 record for the month, while Houston gains momentum heading into the next stretch of games.
For a full play‑by‑play recap, see the live blog linked below.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
