Derrick White's 28 points power Celtics to 114-93 win over Rockets

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Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) controls the ball against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, in Houston, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/ Karen Warren)

Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) tries to get control of the ball against Houston Rockets' Tari Eason (17), and Josh Okogie (20) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, in Houston, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/ Karen Warren) — Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) controls the ball against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, in Houston, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/ Karen Warren)

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9:31 PM on Wednesday, February 4

By KRISTIE RIEKEN

HOUSTON (AP) — Derrick White made six 3-pointers and scored 28 points and the Boston Celtics used a big third quarter to build the lead and cruise to a 114-93 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

White’s performance helped the Celtics win a fourth straight game despite missing star Jaylen Brown, who sat out with left hamstring tightness in the second game of a back-to-back.

Houston coach Ime Udoka was ejected at the end of the third quarter after receiving a double technical for arguing with officials, and Alperen Sengun was tossed midway through the fourth after receiving two technical fouls for yelling at an official following a no-call.

The Rockets trailed by four after a 3-pointer by Amen Thompson early in the third before Boston went on an 18-3 run to make it 67-48 with about seven minutes left in the quarter. The Celtics made five 3-pointers in that stretch, with two apiece from White and Baylor Scheierman.

Thompson made a basket for Houston before Boston used a 10-1 spurt to push the lead to 77-51 with four minutes remaining in the quarter. White led the way during that run, scoring the first eight points, with two 3-pointers.

Reed Sheppard received a loose ball foul near the end of the quarter and Udoka received two technical fouls after the call and was tossed. Boston converted four free throws off those fouls to make it 87-63 entering the fourth.

Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 15 points in his return after sitting out Monday with a sprained left ankle. Sengun, who had 39 points and 16 rebounds in Monday’s win over Indiana, had 13 points and nine rebounds.

Neemias Queta had 10 points and a career-high 19 rebounds, and Luka Garza added 19 points to help the Celtics to the victory.

Up next

Celtics: Host Miami on Friday.

Rockets: Host Charlotte on Thursday.

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