On January 3, 2025, the Boston Celtics clashed with the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center, continuing their stretch as defending NBA champions. Despite the Rockets' intense effort, they succumbed to the Celtics, losing 109-86, highlighting the challenges they face without some of their key players.
The Celtics, coming off a hard-fought win against the Minnesota Timberwolves just the night before, brought their A-game to Houston. They shot 50.6% from the field, including 19 of 39 from three-point range, showcasing their offensive prowess. Notably, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, and Payton Pritchard combined for 63 points, effectively dismantling the Rockets' defensive strategies.
Conversely, the Rockets were hindered by injuries and suspensions. Most significantly, forward Jabari Smith Jr. broke his left hand during the team's morning shootaround and was expected to be out for four to eight weeks as he undergoes surgery. This left the team lacking depth and forced head coach Ime Udoka to start Jeff Green, who had not been in the original lineup.
Jalen Green stepped up for the Rockets, scoring 27 points on 10-of-21 shooting. Despite his effort, the team’s lack of cohesive play and defensive struggles became apparent early on as the Celtics shot 62.5% during the first quarter, scoring 37 points—not far from the highest total Houston has allowed this season.
The absence of Amen Thompson and Tari Eason, alongside Smith's injury, significantly weakened the Rockets’ defense, which has been ranked No. 2. The Celtics took advantage of this, employing effective pick-and-rolls and maintaining steady pressure throughout the game.
"Every game this season has been valuable for us, regardless of the opponent," Udoka stated prior to the game, emphasizing the importance of each matchup as the team continues to grow. Yet the loss served as a stark reminder of the limited margin for error when facing elite teams.
Although Houston struggled offensively, there were moments of hope. The Rockets managed to cut the deficit to four points multiple times during the second quarter but could never fully capitalize on their scoring opportunities. They finished the first half trailing 65-56, demonstrating flashes of resilience amid their many challenges.
The Rockets’ night worsened as they fell flat offensively during the second half, opening with poor shooting and contributing to their demise. By the fourth quarter, what started as a manageable game quickly slipped away with the Celtics launching on an 11-0 run, burying any hopes of a comeback.
Interestingly, the Celtics’ injury report was noteworthy as well. Star guard Jaylen Brown was ruled out due to shoulder strain, and Kristaps Porzingis was upgraded to available before the game—playing pivotal roles throughout the night. Brown’s absence was felt on offense but didn't hinder the Celtics from achieving their strategic goals.
Overall, the game left fans questioning the Rockets' depth and readiness as they navigate multiple injuries. Udoka's comments echoed this concern as his squad will have to dig deep to maintain their position within the Western Conference.
The Celtics displayed their championship mettle and proved they could handle adversities like back-to-back games, continuing to build momentum for the season. Meanwhile, the Rockets must regroup quickly to find ways to compensate for their injuries as they face another challenging matchup.
The final statistics reflected the game’s flow: the Celtics had 14 turnovers compared to the Rockets' 11, but they capitalized on their offensive rebounds and second-chance points. Houston's three-point shooting struggled, finishing at 28%, and they were unable to find any rhythm against the strong Celtics offense.
With this significant victory, the Celtics improve their record to 26-9, asserting themselves even more as title contenders. The Rockets, now 22-12, face urgent questions about roster health and future prospects moving forward. Fans will be eager to see if their beloved team can bounce back or if the injury woes will continue to impact their performance on the court.