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Derrick White’s Brilliant Display Steers Celtics to Fourth Consecutive Win Over Rockets

Derrick White dribbles the ball guarded by Jabari Smith Jr.

Key Takeaways:

  • Derrick White scored 28 points, including six 3-pointers, as Boston secured a 114-93 victory over Houston
  • Houston coach Ime Udoka was ejected at the end of the third quarter after receiving a double technical, followed by Alperen Sengun’s dismissal in the fourth
  • Neemias Queta recorded 10 points and a career-high 19 rebounds, with Luka Garza contributing 19 points for the Celtics

Game Summary

The Boston Celtics produced a commanding third quarter en route to a 114-93 win against the Houston Rockets in Houston on Wednesday night. Derrick White spearheaded the visitors’ attack, notching 28 points and drilling six three-pointers to deliver Boston their fourth consecutive victory, despite the absence of Jaylen Brown due to left hamstring tightness.

Turning Point: Dominant Third Quarter and Technical Fouls

After Amen Thompson’s three-pointer brought Houston within four points early in the third quarter, Boston seized control by embarking on an 18-3 surge, pushing the score to 67-48 with roughly seven minutes left in the period. The Celtics made five three-pointers during this stretch, two each from White and Baylor Scheierman.

The Rockets briefly halted the momentum with a basket by Thompson, but Boston responded swiftly, unleashing a 10-1 run to extend their advantage to 77-51. White remained central, tallying the first eight points of the spurt, including two further shots from beyond the arc.

Tempers flared late in the third quarter. Reed Sheppard picked up a loose ball foul, and Rockets coach Ime Udoka was dismissed after receiving two technical fouls for protests. Boston capitalised, converting four free throws to enter the fourth quarter ahead 87-63.

Midway through the final period, Alperen Sengun joined Udoka on the sideline after being ejected for two technical fouls following complaints over a missed call.

Statistical Highlights

PlayerTeamPointsReboundsAssists
Derrick WhiteBoston Celtics2818
Neemias QuetaBoston Celtics1019 (career-high)2
Luka GarzaBoston Celtics1962
Kevin DurantHouston Rockets1551
Alperen SengunHouston Rockets1393

Player Performances

Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 15 points in his return following a sprained left ankle that sidelined him on Monday. Alperen Sengun, coming off an outstanding 39-point, 16-rebound effort in a previous match against Indiana, posted 13 points and nine rebounds before his early exit.

On Boston’s side, Neemias Queta dominated the boards with a career-high 19 rebounds to complement his 10 points, while Luka Garza added 19 points to further buoy the Celtics’ efforts.

Looking Ahead

  • The Celtics will host Miami on Friday
  • The Rockets will face Charlotte at home on Thursday

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