HOUSTON, Texas — The Boston Celtics saw a five-game winning streak end Monday night in Houston, where the Rockets never trailed and pulled away for a 109-93 win with Paul George sitting out to rest.
It was the first Boston loss since opening night at Detroit. Houston improved to 7-1 and moved into first place in the Western Conference.
Jayson Tatum scored 19 points for the Celtics but needed 16 shots to get there, making five, and he hit only one of seven 3-point tries. Neemias Queta added 16 points, and Luka Garza came off the bench to make four 3-pointers and score 14.
Alperen Sengun controlled the game for Houston with 26 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds. Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson had 14 points apiece, Tari Eason scored 13, and Kevin Durant added 12 while missing only one of six shots. Marcus Smart, who used to play in Boston, kept the Celtics off balance and finished with eight points to go with four assists and four rebounds.
The teams were level at 29 after one quarter, and the Rockets led 57-50 at the break. Houston won the fast-break battle 18-2 and outscored Boston 50-34 in the paint.
Boston gave George, 36, his first night off of the season one day after he played in a win at Orlando. Six games into his time with Boston, George has put up 20.7 points a game along with 6.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists, and he is making 38.8% from 3-point range. Only three players in the league have more steals than his 14. The club had rested center Mitchell Robinson in the Orlando game.
The Celtics return home to face Milwaukee on Wednesday night. Houston, now off to its best start since the 2014-15 season, hosts Minnesota the same night.
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