Houston Rockets Battle Hard but Fall to Celtics in Home Showdown
Date Published
The Houston Rockets delivered an electric performance at Toyota Center in Houston on February 4, taking on the NBA-leading Boston Celtics in a game that kept fans on their feet. Despite a fierce effort, Houston fell short as Boston’s depth and late-game execution pushed the Celtics to a hard-fought win.
Houston opened the night strong, matching Boston bucket for bucket. The Rockets' young core showed confidence, attacking the rim and forcing turnovers. Jalen Green found an early rhythm, while Alperen Şengün battled in the paint against Boston’s tough frontcourt.
Rockets Fight Hard Despite Celtics’ Late Push
The Rockets trailed by only a few points heading into the fourth quarter, fueled by strong defensive stands and timely shooting. However, Boston responded with a late burst behind their All-Star duo, whose scoring run shifted momentum. Houston continued to push, but the Celtics' experience paid off in the final minutes.
Still, this matchup showed growth for Houston. The energy from the crowd, mixed with the Rockets’ fast-paced play, gave the team a boost throughout the night.
Why It Matters
Although the loss stings, the Rockets demonstrated they can hang with one of the league’s top teams. For a developing squad still carving its identity, competitive games like this one are crucial steps forward.
This article is a summary of reporting by Boston.com. Read the full story here.