Without Jaylen Brown, the Boston Celtics defeat the Houston Rockets

A decisive third quarter for Boston

The turning point of the game came in the third quarter, when the Celtics took control of the contest. After a 3-pointer by Amen Thompson that kept Houston within just four points, Boston responded with a devastating 18-3 run to extend the lead to 67-48.

During this crucial stretch, the Celtics made five 3-pointers, including two from Derrick White and two more from Baylor Scheierman. White then put the game away by leading another 10-1 run, scoring the first eight points of that sequence with two more 3-pointers, extending the lead to 77-51.

Boston’s backcourt was ELECTRIC in their road win ⚡️

Derrick White: 28 PTS, 8 AST, 6 3PM
Payton Pritchard: 27 PTS, 7 AST, 5 3PM pic.twitter.com/GhwusL5wX2

— NBA (@NBA) February 5, 2026

Tensions and ejections on Houston’s side

The Rockets‘ frustration showed late in the third quarter with the ejection of their coach Ime Udoka. The former Celtics coach received two consecutive technical fouls after protesting a foul called against Reed Sheppard. Boston converted the four awarded free throws to make the score 87-63 before the final quarter.

The tensions continued in the fourth quarter with the ejection of Alperen Sengun, who received two technical fouls for arguing with the referees following a non-call. The Turkish center, who had 39 points and 16 rebounds in Monday’s win against Indiana, couldn’t finish this game, settling for 13 points and 9 rebounds.

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Neemias Queta also shined for Boston with 10 points and a career-high 19 rebounds, while Luka Garza added 19 points. For Houston, Kevin Durant led the offense with 15 points in his return from a left ankle sprain. The Celtics will host Miami on Friday, while the Rockets will welcome Charlotte on Thursday.