Celtics Weather Storm in Houston, Ride White’s Hot Hand to Fourth Straight Win 114-93

Sometimes, you just need someone to step up. When Jaylen Brown was ruled out with hamstring tightness on the second night of a back-to-back, the collective groan from New England could almost be heard in Texas. The Boston Celtics, already navigating the grueling NBA schedule, needed a spark. They needed resilience.

They got both from Derrick White and a bench unit that refused to fold.

In a game that swung wildly on emotion and technical fouls, the Celtics leaned on their depth and composure to dismantle the Houston Rockets, 114-93, extending their winning streak to four games. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement about the versatility of a roster built for the long haul.

White Steps into the Spotlight

With Brown on the sideline in street clothes, the offensive burden fell squarely on the shoulders of the remaining starters, and Derrick White answered the call with emphatic precision. White poured in 28 points, draining six 3-pointers in a performance that felt less like a hot streak and more like a masterclass in reading the game.

Every time the Rockets threatened to make a run, White was there—a dagger three here, a calming drive to the basket there. He controlled the tempo, settling the Celtics when the Toyota Center crowd tried to will their team back into contention.

“He just plays the right way.” is a phrase tossed around often in NBA circles, but with White, it feels inadequate. He plays the winning way. His third-quarter explosion, where he led an 18-3 run that effectively broke the Rockets’ back, was the turning point. White didn’t just fill a void left by Brown; he expanded the floor, giving everyone else room to breathe.

A Tale of Two Halves: Celtics Find Their Rhythm

The first half was a grind. Both teams looked sluggish, trading missed opportunities and turnovers. The Celtics went into the locker room with a narrow lead, but it didn’t feel safe. The energy was flat.

Then came the third quarter.

Basketball is a game of runs, but what Boston did after halftime was an avalanche. Trailing by four early in the period after an Amen Thompson triple, the Celtics flipped the switch. The defense tightened, the ball movement crisped up, and the shots started falling.

That 18-3 run wasn’t just about offense; it was defensive suffocation. The Celtics swarmed the Rockets, forcing difficult shots and capitalizing on mistakes. By the time the dust settled on the quarter, Boston had built a commanding lead, turning a nail-biter into a showcase.

Emotions Boil Over in Houston

Frustration is a powerful thing in sports, and for the Rockets, it bubbled over in ugly fashion. The game took a turn for the chaotic as Houston’s composure unraveled.

Head coach Ime Udoka, facing his former team, was ejected late in the third quarter after a heated exchange with officials following a foul call on Reed Sheppard. The double technical was a blow to a Rockets team already reeling from Boston’s scoring surge.

Matters got worse in the fourth. Alperen Sengun, who has been a bright spot for Houston all season, let his frustrations get the better of him. Arguing a no-call, he picked up two quick technicals and joined his coach in the locker room.

For the Celtics, staying cool amidst the chaos was key. They didn’t engage in the theatrics; they just kept playing basketball. They hit their free throws, ran their sets, and let the scoreboard do the talking. It was a mature performance from a team with championship aspirations.

Unsung Heroes: The Bench Mob Arrives

While White will grab the headlines, the victory was cemented by the guys who don’t always see their names in lights.

Neemias Queta was a force of nature on the glass. Grabbing 19 rebounds, Queta dominated the paint, giving the Celtics second, third, and sometimes fourth chances. His 10 points were a bonus; his energy was essential. In a league where rebounding often comes down to effort, Queta played like every loose ball belonged to him personally.

Then there was Luka Garza. Often utilized as a spark plug, Garza provided 19 crucial points, stretching the floor and bruising inside. With the starters logging heavy minutes recently, getting that kind of production from the bench is a luxury that separates good teams from great ones.

Celtics Look Ahead

The win moves Boston to 33-18, keeping pace near the top of the Eastern Conference. But perhaps more importantly, it proved they can win ugly, and they can win shorthanded.

“Next man up” is a cliché for a reason—because it’s necessary. Tonight, without one of their All-Stars, the Celtics showed that their system works, their culture is strong, and their depth is real.

Kevin Durant’s 15 points for Houston in his return from an ankle sprain were a subplot that fizzled out as the Celtics’ defense clamped down. Sengun managed 13 points and nine boards before his ejection, but he never truly established the dominance he showed earlier in the week against Indiana.

Boston now heads home to face the Miami Heat on Friday, a rivalry game that always carries extra weight. If this performance is any indication, they’ll be ready for the fight.

For tonight, though, the Celtics can rest easy knowing they weathered the storm in Texas and came out stronger on the other side.