Boston Celtics Overcome Star Absences with Three-Point Onslaught to Defeat Houston Rockets
In a display of resilience and sharpshooting, the Boston Celtics secured a commanding 114-93 victory over the Houston Rockets in NBA action on Thursday, February 5, 2026 (Philippine time). Despite facing significant challenges with key players sidelined, the Celtics showcased their depth and offensive firepower, particularly from beyond the arc.
Overcoming Adversity Without Key Stars
The Celtics entered this matchup under difficult circumstances, as they have been competing this season without their leader Jayson Tatum, who is out with a ruptured Achilles tendon. Their situation worsened for this game, as they also opted to rest another star, Jaylen Brown, following his heavy workload in a previous contest. In their prior win against the Dallas Mavericks, Brown logged 37 minutes, contributing 33 points and 11 rebounds, prompting the team's decision to give him a break.
This left a substantial void in the Celtics' lineup, but the remaining players stepped up admirably. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard emerged as the primary catalysts, filling the gap with exceptional performances that propelled the team to success.
Derrick White and Payton Pritchard Shine in Leading Roles
Derrick White took charge for the Celtics, delivering a standout performance with 28 points, including six three-pointers. His ability to score from long range was instrumental in stretching the Rockets' defense and creating opportunities for his teammates. Complementing White's efforts, Payton Pritchard added 27 points, knocking down five three-pointers of his own. Together, they formed a dynamic backcourt duo that Houston struggled to contain.
Beyond White and Pritchard, the Celtics received valuable contributions from four other players who scored in double figures, highlighting the team's balanced attack and collective effort in the absence of their top stars.
Second-Half Surge Seals the Victory
The game remained competitive in the first half, with the Celtics holding a modest 49-42 lead at halftime. However, the third quarter saw a dramatic shift as Boston unleashed a devastating offensive barrage. They connected on five consecutive three-pointers in a blistering run, extending their advantage to 77-51 with just 3 minutes and 56 seconds remaining in the period.
This explosive stretch effectively put the game out of reach for the Rockets, who were unable to mount a comeback. Houston faltered under the pressure, succumbing to a lopsided defeat as the Celtics maintained their dominance through the remainder of the contest.
Rockets' Efforts Fall Short Against Celtics' Firepower
For the Houston Rockets, Kevin Durant led the scoring with 15 points, but his output was insufficient against Boston's onslaught. Jabari Smith Jr. and Aleperen Sengun each contributed 13 points, while Amen Thompson added 11 points and Tari Eason chipped in 10 points. Despite these individual efforts, the Rockets were overwhelmed by the Celtics' efficient shooting and cohesive play.
Overall, the Celtics made an impressive 19 three-pointers in the game, with their second-half performance being particularly decisive. This long-range proficiency allowed them to quickly expand their lead and secure a comfortable win, demonstrating their adaptability and strength even when missing key personnel.
The victory underscores the Celtics' depth and strategic adjustments, as they continue to navigate the season without Jayson Tatum and manage Jaylen Brown's minutes. With players like Derrick White stepping up, Boston remains a formidable force in the NBA, capable of delivering dominant performances against tough opponents like the Houston Rockets.
