Houston Rockets Fall to Celtics in High-Scoring Boston Matchup

The Houston Rockets could not overcome a red‑hot Boston Celtics backcourt during a road matchup in Boston, where the home team pulled away behind standout performances from Payton Pritchard and Derrick White. The Celtics guards combined for 55 points, pushing Boston to a convincing win and leaving the Rockets searching for answers after an uneven defensive outing.

Houston struggled early as Boston found its rhythm from the perimeter. Pritchard, who delivered one of his strongest games of the season, repeatedly broke down the Rockets’ coverage. White provided steady support, adding efficient scoring and consistent pressure on both ends of the court.

Why it matters

The loss highlights the growing challenge for a young Rockets roster still working toward consistency on the road. Houston showed flashes of offensive momentum but could not sustain stops against a Celtics team playing with pace and confidence. As the Rockets continue their climb in the Western Conference standings, games like this underscore the importance of resilience against top‑tier opponents.

The matchup also served as a test for Houston’s defensive schemes, which have improved this season but faltered against Boston’s ball movement and shot creation.

What’s next

Houston returns home for its next stretch, where the team has performed more reliably. A renewed focus on perimeter defense and tighter rotations will be key as the Rockets aim to bounce back and maintain momentum in the playoff race.

This article is a summary of reporting by Sports Illustrated. Read the full story here.