Houston Rockets Dismantle Celtics in Dominant 128-101 Victory

The Houston Rockets walked into TD Garden on Saturday night and did something nobody expected—they completely dismantled the Boston Celtics, handing them a humbling 128-101 loss that felt more like a heavyweight knockout than a basketball game.

After stumbling out of the gate with a 0-2 start to the season, the Rockets have found their rhythm. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Houston’s third consecutive victory showcased a team that’s figured out its identity, and they did it on the road against a Celtics squad that came in riding a three-game winning streak.

From tip-off, the Houston Rockets looked hungry. They shot an impressive 54.5 percent from the field, but it was their three-point shooting that truly set TD Garden ablaze. Houston drained 19 of 29 shots from beyond the arc—a blistering 65.5 percent that left Boston scrambling for answers all night long.

The size advantage was undeniable. The Rockets dominated the glass, pulling down 53 rebounds compared to Boston’s 36. They got to the free-throw line 25 times, moved the ball with precision (30 assists), and played lockdown defense with 11 blocks. This was textbook basketball, executed to perfection.

Kevin Durant Proves He’s Still Got It

Kevin Durant reminded everyone why the Houston Rockets went all-in to acquire him during the offseason. The superstar forward was absolutely unstoppable, pouring in 26 points across just 30 minutes before sitting out the entire fourth quarter with the game well in hand.

Durant set the tone early, dropping 12 points in the opening quarter alone. By halftime, he already had 20 on the board. The Celtics had no answer for his mid-range game, his crafty drives to the basket, or his ability to get to the free-throw line. He connected on eight of 11 field goal attempts and was a perfect 8-for-9 from the charity stripe.

There was a moment in the third quarter—with Boston’s frustrations boiling over and technical fouls being handed out like Halloween candy—when Durant calmly sank three consecutive free throws. The Rockets led 74-50, and you could feel the air leave the building. Durant added another free throw after a flopping call on Boston’s Chris Boucher, and just like that, the Houston Rockets were up by 24.

This wasn’t just a good performance. This was Durant at his clinical best, picking apart a defense that had no answers. The entire league is now on notice.

Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson Step Up Big

While Durant grabbed the headlines, Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson provided the supporting cast that championship teams need. For the second game in a row, both players stuffed the stat sheet and proved that the Houston Rockets’ depth is real.

Sengun flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Sure, his shooting wasn’t efficient, but the Turkish big man’s playmaking brilliance was on full display. With the Houston Rockets still figuring out their point guard situation, Sengun has stepped into the role of facilitator, and he’s thriving.

Thompson matched Sengun’s all-around effort with 17 points, nine boards, and eight dimes. But his real impact came on the defensive end, where he helped smother Boston’s perimeter players. Derrick White, Anfernee Simons, and Jaylen Brown all had passive, forgettable nights—and Thompson’s hounding defense was a big reason why.

These two young players are beginning to understand their roles within this system, and it’s scary to think about how good they could become as the season progresses.

Jabari Smith Jr. Brings the Defensive Energy

If there was a single player who embodied the Houston Rockets’ two-way excellence on Saturday night, it was Jabari Smith Jr. The forward scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds, but his defensive presence was what truly elevated the Rockets.

Smith blocked four shots, including one on Jaylen Brown that will undoubtedly be featured on highlight reels for weeks. It was the kind of momentum-shifting rejection that makes arenas go silent—or in this case, makes TD Garden groan in collective frustration.

His ability to protect the rim, switch onto guards, and contest shots without fouling has made him Houston’s defensive anchor. Offensively, he’s efficient and doesn’t force anything. Defensively, he’s everywhere. Smith is quickly becoming the X-factor this team needs to take the next step toward contention.

Boston’s Struggles Continue

For Boston, this loss stings. Coming off a hard-fought 109-108 win over Philadelphia the night before, the Celtics looked gassed from the opening tip. Jaylen Brown, who dropped 32 in that Philly win, managed just 12 points before sitting out the fourth quarter. Payton Pritchard added 14, but nobody could get into any kind of rhythm against Houston’s suffocating defense.

The frustration was evident. Coach Joe Mazzulla picked up a technical in the third quarter, and Chris Boucher was called for flopping—a microcosm of a night where nothing went right for the home team. By the time the third quarter ended with Houston leading 97-72, fans were already streaming toward the exits.

Boston shot poorly, couldn’t rebound, and looked out of sync. The Celtics will need to regroup quickly because this Western Conference squad just exposed some serious weaknesses.

What’s Next for the Houston Rockets?

The Rockets have officially announced their arrival. After dropping their first two games, they’ve rattled off three straight wins and look like a team that’s starting to click on all cylinders. Kevin Durant is playing like a man on a mission. Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson are growing into their roles. Jabari Smith Jr. is becoming a defensive force.

Houston’s next test comes Monday night when they host the Dallas Mavericks. If they can extend this win streak to four games, the rest of the league better take notice. This isn’t the same rebuilding Rockets team from years past. This squad has star power, depth, and a defensive identity that makes them dangerous.

Boston, meanwhile, will try to bounce back Monday night when it hosts the Utah Jazz. But after getting embarrassed on their home floor, the Celtics have some soul-searching to do.