Rockets 109, Celtics 93

 

Oof. The revenge of Marcus Smart and Ime Udoka. Playing on no rest after the hard-earned Nets win the night before and with Scheierman filling in for Peul George, the Celtics came into Houston flat-footed and listless. Without George feeding him the ball, Tatum scored only 19 points, well below his average 27, and the team as a whole shot only 28.6% from the field, well below their average 45.7%. 

The Rocket's defense was a big part of it, forcing 15 Boston turnovers and blocking five shots. Marcus Smart had two steals and four rebounds, which didn't help the Celtics any.

But no use crying over spilled beer. The road trip continues, and after a day's rest they play in Milwaukee tomorrow against the Bucks (1-6). Take last night's frustration out on the hapless Bucks and move on. 

The Celtics are 5-2 after last night's loss and remain in second place in the Atlantic Division behind Jaylen Brown and the 76ers (7-1).