The Celtics fell 109-93 to the Houston Rockets on Monday night, but that ugly scoreboard hides a massive win for Boston’s future. While the fans might groan over a second loss of the season, the real story is how the team handled its biggest weakness without Paul George. Per Hardwood Houdini, the Celtics actually won the rebounding battle against a physical Rockets squad, grabbing a 14-9 edge on the offensive glass. This wasn’t just luck; it was a deliberate plan that worked even when the shots refused to fall.
Big Men Deliver When It Counts
The most encouraging sign came from the two bigs who filled the minutes left by resting stars. Neemias Queta started and looked like a different player, posting a plus-7 rating while the team was on the floor. According to NESN, Queta scored 16 points, while reserve Luka Garza added 14 points off the bench with four made three-pointers. The pair combined for 30 points and 9 rebounds, proving Boston has depth at the center position that can actually score. The team has struggled to find consistent production from its bigs all season.
Even with poor shooting from the perimeter, Boston generated high-quality looks and crashed the boards hard. The team did not give up 30 points in a single quarter, showing that their defense can still shut down the league’s top-rated offense. Per Hardwood Houdini, the Celtics were up against a rest advantage and a tough schedule, yet they still managed to keep the game competitive until the fourth quarter. The loss feels bad now, but the process was solid.
Shooting Woes Mask Real Progress
The only real issue was the cold hand from deep, as the team shot just 39% from the field and 29% from three. Payton Pritchard scored only 4 points on 0-for-7 shooting, and Sam Hauser had 2 points on 0-for-5 from deep. Even Jayson Tatum struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with 19 points on 5-of-16 shooting. However, the fact that the team won the rebounding battle and maintained a solid defense despite the missed shots is the silver lining. Per the Maine Sunday Telegram, the Rockets never trailed and led by 7 at halftime, but Boston kept the game within reach for three quarters.
Marcus Smart, the former fan favorite, exposed a defensive gap by scoring 8 points and dishing 4 assists for Houston. Boston faced a familiar issue as Houston dominated the paint 50-34 and scored 18-2 in fast-break points. Yet, the ability to compete against a 7-1 Rockets team without Paul George suggests the roster is deeper than anyone expected. The team has a quick chance to respond when they host Milwaukee on Wednesday night.
The rebounding edge and strong minutes from Queta and Garza show the team has a path forward even when stars rest. Boston will look to bounce back with a win against the Bucks, but the real victory happened on Monday in Houston.
