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The Boston Celtics had opportunities but failed to capitalize in a 109-93 road loss to the Houston Rockets. Boston never held a lead, missing all five shots that could have put them ahead, and despite cutting the deficit to one point in the third quarter, they could not get closer.
Shooting Woes Define the Game
The box score reveals a brutal shooting night for the Celtics, who shot just 38.6% from the field. Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard both went 0-for-5 from three-point range, Jayson Tatum was 1-for-7, and Derrick White managed just 1-for-5. Meanwhile, Rockets center Alperin Sengun made 12 baskets—more than any two Celtics starters combined. Sengun dominated with 26 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds, overpowering Mitchell Robinson and other defenders. Tatum did his part to keep Boston in it, dishing out nine assists despite his teammates' struggles, but it wasn't enough. Luka Garza and Baylor Scheierman were bright spots, combining to shoot 7-for-13 from deep, with Scheierman also making a couple of solid defensive plays.
Beyond the Box Score
Mitchell Robinson appeared worn down while guarding Sengun, his conditioning exposed as he chased the versatile big man around the court. Robinson's offensive role already demands energy away from the basket, and this defensive assignment drained him further; he looked visibly off and also sprained his left thumb. Marcus Smart delivered his usual mix of impactful and controversial plays: he drew charges to put Tatum in foul trouble, then attempted more that sent the Celtics to the line, and later hit a couple of three-pointers after missing several earlier ones to help seal the game. Smart also flashed double middle fingers after each of those threes, likely inviting a fine from the league given his history. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla tried to utilize his depth, turning to Mike Conley in the second quarter and Ron Harper in the fourth, but neither provided a significant spark; perhaps Harper should have entered earlier to find a rhythm. Ultimately, this felt like a schedule loss—Boston struggled in predictable ways, and the game never seemed within reach.
Revisiting the Preview
The pregame analysis highlighted the bigs battle, with Robinson's mobility expected to be tested against Sengun—and it was, as Robinson struggled mightily. Jordan Walsh did not start, suggesting Mazzulla may have moved away from that lineup idea, reminiscent of last season when no young forward seized the role. The preview also warned about tired legs leading to front-rim shots and Rockets fast breaks; that played out as Houston, sixth in the NBA in fastbreak points, capitalized on Boston's misses. Tatum needed help against Amen Thompson and the Rockets' long defenders, but aside from Scheierman's solid minutes, support was scarce. The prediction of a Rockets pull-away late (116-107) was partially accurate—Houston did pull away, though the final score was more lopsided. The Celtics' shooting woes proved costlier than anticipated. A silver lining: Boston stayed close for much of the game despite the messiness, and an average shooting night could have changed the outcome.