HOUSTON — The Celtics, as we know them, just might be back. They defeated the Rockets in resounding fashion on Friday coming away with a 109-86 victory to improve to 26-9 on the year.
Derrick White led the way with 23 points (on 6-12 shooting from beyond the arc). Jayson Tatum put together another nice all-around performance with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Kristaps Porzingis returned from a four-game absence to chip in 11 points, and Payton Pritchard exploded for 20 points on 8-10 shooting off the bench.
The win marked the Celtics’ third straight — and second consecutive to open up a challenging four-game road trip that next features stops in Oklahoma City and Denver.