Celtics overpower Rockets 114-93 on Feb. 4, 2026, behind third-quarter surge and rebounding edge

Boston turns a tight game into a rout in Houston

The Boston Celtics closed a short two-game season series against the Houston Rockets with a 114-93 road win on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, using a decisive third quarter to separate from a Houston team that entered the night with one of the league’s stronger home records. Boston improved to 33-18, while Houston fell to 31-18.

After two low-scoring opening quarters, the game pivoted early in the third. Houston briefly pulled within four on a 3-pointer by Amen Thompson, but Boston responded with a sustained run that pushed the lead into double digits and then beyond, effectively deciding the contest before the fourth quarter.

Key drivers: perimeter shooting, extra possessions, and a bench scoring lift

• Derrick White led Boston with 28 points, hitting six 3-pointers and adding eight assists. His scoring spiked during the third-quarter surge that created Boston’s largest separation.

• Boston’s rebounding advantage was substantial: the Celtics won the boards 57-38, including 20 offensive rebounds. The extra possessions fueled second-chance scoring and helped Boston maintain control even with 15 turnovers.

• Neemias Queta delivered 10 points and a career-high 19 rebounds, anchoring Boston’s interior work and extending multiple possessions.

• Luka Garza added 19 points, giving Boston additional scoring beyond the primary perimeter creation.

Houston’s offense stalls as technical fouls compound the deficit

Houston shot 41% from the field (34-for-82) and finished with 16 assists, a modest figure for a team that typically relies on ball movement to create efficient looks. Kevin Durant, returning after missing time with a left ankle sprain, led the Rockets with 15 points. Alperen Şengün posted 13 points and nine rebounds before his night ended early following two technical fouls in the fourth quarter.

The game also featured a late third-quarter sequence in which Rockets coach Ime Udoka was ejected after receiving a double technical foul. Boston converted free throws on the possession, widening the margin before the final period began.

Quarter-by-quarter: Boston led 49-42 at halftime, then outscored Houston 36-21 in the third quarter to take control.

What the box score shows heading into the next games

Boston’s advantage came from the combination of volume 3-point shooting (19 made) and a large edge in offensive rebounds, offsetting Houston’s 10 steals and Boston’s higher turnover count. Both teams had games scheduled immediately afterward: Boston next hosted Miami on Friday, and Houston hosted Charlotte on Thursday.