Rockets 109 - Celtics 93 (11/2/2026): Sengün's 26 Points Lead Way

The Houston Rockets took on the Boston Celtics at Toyota Center, delivering a performance that left the Celtics with their first loss of the season. The game ended with the Rockets winning 109-93, marking their place at the top of the Western Conference. Alperen Sengün's standout contribution with 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists proved pivotal for Houston.

Both teams started the night evenly matched, scoring 29 points each in the first quarter. However, the Rockets pulled away in the second quarter, outscoring the Celtics by 7 points. This stretch allowed Houston to establish control that they maintained for the rest of the game.

Second Half Struggles for Boston

The Celtics struggled to narrow the gap in the third and fourth quarters. Despite Jayson Tatum's efforts, who tallied 19 points and 9 assists, Boston couldn't reclaim the momentum. Neemias Queta also added 16 points, but it wasn't enough to shift the tide.

The Rockets showed efficiency, shooting 54.4% from the field compared to the Celtics' 38.6%. This shooting disparity highlighted the Rockets' dominance in controlling the game flow. Houston's effective shooting was further emphasized by their 40% success rate from beyond the arc.

Boston's offensive struggles were apparent as they connected on only 28.6% of their three-point attempts. Their turnovers also added to their woes, giving up possession 15 times compared to Houston's 13. The Rockets capitalized on these errors with a total of 8 steals in the game.

Key Contributions

Houston's Jabari Smith Jr. played an essential role with a double-double, contributing 14 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Fred VanVleet facilitated play with 9 assists, helping his team maintain their offensive rhythm.

Boston's Baylor Scheierman tried to add a spark off the bench, scoring 11 points. However, the Celtics' bench couldn't match the efficiency and impact of Houston's lineup. The Rockets exhibited superior ball movement, recording 34 assists to the Celtics' 20.

Rebounding was tightly contested, with Boston grabbing 38 boards and Houston securing 36. Despite the close numbers, the Rockets' defensive rebounding limited Boston's second-chance opportunities. Houston's defense also stepped up with 5 blocks, disrupting Boston's attempts in the paint.

Looking Forward

The Celtics now hold a 5-2 record and will focus on their upcoming home game against the Milwaukee Bucks. They aim to regroup and address their shooting inconsistencies for their next outing. Coach Joe Mazzulla will likely emphasize maintaining ball control and improving shot selection.

The Rockets, now boasting a 7-1 record, continue to lead the Western Conference. Coach Ime Udoka's squad will look to extend their winning streak in their next game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Houston aims to sustain their offensive efficiency and defensive intensity.

Both teams will approach their next games with learnings from this encounter. The Celtics will aim to rebound from this setback, while the Rockets will seek to continue their strong start to the season.