It looked close in the first half, but this game was a classic Celtics win. Boston improves to 19-0 at home on the season, and retains the best record in the NBA with a blowout, 145-113 win.
First-quarter Jaylen Brown was out in full force, isolating Fred VanVleet at every opportunity. He had 9 points on 3-4 shooting after one, and was also active on the defensive end (1 steal).
Kristaps Porzingis joined him with 12 first-quarter points. He and Brown combined for Boston’s first 18 points.
All of the Rockets’ starters got on the board in the first, and they were led by breakout center Alperen Sengun and rookie Cam Whitmore, each with 6 points in the first.