The celtics vs houston rockets match player stats from February 5, 2026, reveal how the Boston Celtics earned a convincing 114-93 victory over the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Boston combined balanced scoring, strong three-point shooting, and a dominant rebounding performance to secure a 21-point road win. Derrick White led the Celtics with 28 points and eight assists, while Payton Pritchard contributed 27 points. Neemias Queta made a major impact on the glass with 19 rebounds. For Houston, Kevin Durant scored 15 points, while Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun added 13 points apiece.

The final score tells only part of the story. Boston collected 57 rebounds compared with Houston’s 38, made 19 three-pointers, and finished with 26 assists. Those figures help explain why the Celtics controlled the game despite committing more turnovers than the Rockets. Houston recorded 10 steals and limited its turnovers to nine, but its lower rebounding total and less efficient free-throw shooting made it difficult to keep pace with Boston.

This breakdown examines the individual performances, team statistics, quarter-by-quarter scoring, tactical differences, and season-series context behind the result. The figures below follow the supplied ESPN box-score data for this February matchup.

Celtics vs Houston Rockets Match Player Stats: Game Overview

The February 5 meeting brought together two competitive teams with strong records. Boston entered the game at 33-18 overall and 17-10 on the road, according to the supplied box-score information. Houston stood at 31-18 overall and had a 17-5 home record.

Despite Houston’s strong home performance, Boston produced the more complete game. The Celtics finished with 114 points, while the Rockets managed 93. Boston’s ability to create scoring opportunities from the perimeter and secure extra possessions through offensive rebounds proved central to the outcome.

Game detail	Information
Matchup	Boston Celtics vs Houston Rockets
Date	February 5, 2026
Venue	Toyota Center
Location	Houston, Texas
Attendance	18,055
Final score	Celtics 114, Rockets 93
Winning margin	21 points
Boston record listed	33-18
Houston record listed	31-18
Boston leading scorer	Derrick White, 28 points
Houston leading scorer	Kevin Durant, 15 points
Boston rebounding leader	Neemias Queta, 19 rebounds
Houston rebounding leader	Alperen Sengun, 9 rebounds

The most striking difference was Boston’s advantage on the boards. The Celtics secured 19 more rebounds than Houston, a substantial gap that gave them additional opportunities to score and reduced the Rockets’ chances of generating second-chance points.

Boston also converted 19 of its 51 three-point attempts. Houston made 11 of 30 attempts. Both teams shot approximately 37% from beyond the arc, but Boston attempted 21 more three-pointers and made eight more. That difference represented a significant part of the scoring gap.

For readers reviewing basketball box scores, the key is to consider several categories together. Points show who scored, rebounds indicate control of missed shots, assists help explain how scoring opportunities were created, and shooting percentages reveal how efficiently those opportunities were converted.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Breakdown

The scoring progression shows where Boston established control and why Houston struggled to recover. The Celtics started slowly but increased their offensive production in the second and third quarters. Their 36-point third quarter created the separation that ultimately decided the contest.

Quarter	Boston Celtics	Houston Rockets	Boston’s scoring advantage
First	18	17	+1
Second	31	25	+6
Third	36	21	+15
Fourth	29	30	-1
Total	114	93	+21

First quarter: Boston establishes a narrow lead

Boston opened the game with an 18-17 advantage. The one-point difference reflected a competitive opening period rather than immediate control by either side.

Houston remained close enough to make the game competitive, but the Celtics finished the quarter ahead. From a statistical perspective, this was important because Boston did not need to overcome an early deficit before beginning its strongest stretch.

A narrow first-quarter lead also highlights why early scoring totals should not be mistaken for the final direction of a game. Basketball teams can look evenly matched for a period before adjustments in spacing, shot selection, rebounding, and defensive coverage create a larger difference.

Second quarter: The Celtics create more separation

Boston scored 31 points in the second quarter, compared with Houston’s 25. The six-point advantage increased the Celtics’ lead from one point to seven by halftime.

The increase in Boston’s scoring suggests that its offense became more productive after the opening period. Instead of depending entirely on one scorer, the Celtics had multiple players capable of contributing. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard eventually finished with 28 and 27 points, respectively, giving Boston two high-volume scoring options.

Houston, meanwhile, scored 25 points. That was a respectable quarter in isolation, but it was not enough to match Boston’s offensive improvement.

The halftime margin remained manageable. The decisive phase was still to come.

Third quarter: A 36-point surge changes the game

The third quarter was the turning point. Boston scored 36 points while Houston managed only 21, creating a 15-point advantage in the period.

That single quarter accounted for most of the change in the final margin. Boston entered halftime seven points ahead and extended its lead to 22 points by the end of the third quarter.

The scoring difference was not simply a matter of one extra made basket. It represented a sustained gap in offensive production over an entire period. Boston’s perimeter shooting, ball movement, and second-chance opportunities helped the team maintain pressure.

According to the published game recap, White’s six made three-pointers helped power the victory, and Boston’s big third quarter was central to building its lead.

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Houston needed a response during this stretch. Instead, its 21-point quarter allowed Boston to establish a cushion large enough to withstand a better scoring effort from the Rockets in the fourth.

Fourth quarter: Houston scores more but cannot close the gap

Houston outscored Boston 30-29 in the final quarter. It was the Rockets’ only quarter with a scoring advantage, but the one-point difference was too small to change the result.

This is an important distinction when evaluating late-game performance. A team can win the final quarter and still lose comfortably because of what happened earlier. Houston’s late improvement did not erase the third-quarter deficit.

Boston’s 29 points also meant the Celtics did not completely abandon their offense after building a large lead. They maintained enough production to protect the advantage and finish with a 21-point win.

Boston Celtics Player Stats and Individual Performances

The individual numbers show how Boston distributed its scoring responsibilities. White was the leading scorer and primary playmaker, while Pritchard supplied another major scoring contribution. Queta controlled the glass, and several other players added points, rebounds, and assists.

The following figures are from the published box score. Minutes, shooting totals, and plus-minus values are included where relevant to understanding each player’s contribution.

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Derrick White: 28 points and 8 assists

Derrick White delivered Boston’s leading individual performance. He scored 28 points, made 10 of 25 field-goal attempts, and connected on six of 14 three-point attempts. He also recorded eight assists and finished with a plus-minus of +15.

Statistic	Derrick White
Minutes	37
Points	28
Field goals	10/25
Three-pointers	6/14
Free throws	2/2
Rebounds	1
Assists	8
Turnovers	2
Plus-minus	+15

White’s six three-pointers were especially important because they created 18 points from beyond the arc alone. His scoring forced Houston to account for a perimeter threat who could also organize the offense and find teammates.

His eight assists added another dimension. A guard who scores efficiently from the perimeter can put pressure on defenders to close out more aggressively. When those defenders move toward the ball, passing opportunities can open elsewhere on the court.

White’s shooting was not flawless. He made 40% of his total field-goal attempts, so his value should not be described as perfect efficiency. However, his three-point shooting, free-throw accuracy, and playmaking made him the most influential scorer in the game.

Payton Pritchard: 27 points off the bench

Payton Pritchard scored 27 points in 33 minutes, giving Boston a second major offensive option. He made nine of 20 field-goal attempts, including five of 10 three-pointers, and converted four of five free throws.

Statistic	Payton Pritchard
Minutes	33
Points	27
Field goals	9/20
Three-pointers	5/10
Free throws	4/5
Rebounds	3
Assists	7
Turnovers	1
Plus-minus	+17

Pritchard’s contribution was significant because Boston did not rely on White to carry the entire scoring load. Their combined 55 points represented almost half of the Celtics’ final total.

Pritchard also recorded seven assists, only one fewer than White. That combination of scoring and distribution helped Boston keep its offense productive across different lineups.

His five made three-pointers added 15 points. Combined with White’s six, the two guards made 11 three-pointers between them. That was a major part of Boston’s perimeter production.

Pritchard’s low turnover total was another positive. He gave the Celtics a high-scoring performance while recording just one turnover, allowing the team to preserve possession more effectively than a high-usage scorer who repeatedly gives the ball away.

Neemias Queta: 19 rebounds and strong interior defense

Neemias Queta produced one of the most important performances of the game without leading Boston in scoring. He finished with 10 points, 19 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and five blocks in 39 minutes.

Statistic	Neemias Queta
Minutes	39
Points	10
Field goals	3/4
Free throws	4/4
Total rebounds	19
Offensive rebounds	7
Defensive rebounds	12
Assists	2
Steals	2
Blocks	5
Plus-minus	+22

Queta’s 19 rebounds were the highest total recorded by any player in this matchup. His seven offensive rebounds were particularly valuable because they gave Boston additional opportunities after missed shots.

Offensive rebounds do more than increase a team’s statistical total. They can extend possessions, force defenders to remain engaged for longer, and create new scoring chances without requiring another defensive stop.

Queta also blocked five shots. That figure shows his influence near the basket, although blocks alone do not capture every defensive contribution. A center can affect an opponent’s decisions by contesting a shot or encouraging a driver to pass before a shot attempt even occurs.

His 10 points came on just four field-goal attempts and four successful free throws. That efficient scoring complemented his work on the boards.

Queta’s plus-minus of +22 was another strong indicator of how Boston performed during his playing time. Plus-minus measures the difference between a team’s points scored and points allowed while a particular player is on the court. It does not prove that one player caused every point of the difference, but it adds context to the box score.

Luka Garza: An efficient starting contribution

Luka Garza started for Boston and scored 19 points in 34 minutes. He made seven of 13 field-goal attempts, including two of seven from three-point range, and added six rebounds and two assists.

Garza’s ability to score from multiple areas helped Boston maintain its offensive balance. He also collected three offensive rebounds, which supported the team’s overall advantage in second-chance opportunities.

His four turnovers were the highest total among Boston’s listed players. That is a useful reminder that a strong scoring performance can still include areas for improvement.

Garza’s impact should be considered alongside the contributions of White, Pritchard, and Queta rather than in isolation. Boston had several players producing in different statistical categories, making its overall performance more difficult to contain.

Baylor Scheierman: Rebounding and perimeter support

Baylor Scheierman finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and one steal. He made five of 10 field-goal attempts, including three of eight three-pointers, and converted both of his free throws.

Scheierman’s double-double was valuable because it combined scoring with rebounding. His 10 rebounds included nine defensive boards, helping Boston end Houston possessions and begin its own offensive transitions.

He also contributed four assists, giving the Celtics another player capable of moving the ball rather than simply finishing plays.

Scheierman’s three made three-pointers complemented the shooting of White and Pritchard. When several players can score from outside, a defense cannot focus all its attention on a single shooter without creating opportunities elsewhere.

Boston’s other bench contributions

Boston’s bench included several players who contributed in different roles.

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists
Jordan Walsh	2	4	0
Hugo Gonzalez	2	3	0
Josh Minott	0	2	0
Xavier Tillman	0	0	0
Nikola Vucevic	0	0	0
Max Shulga	0	0	0

The box score also lists Jaylen Brown and Sam Hauser with availability notes indicating that they did not play. Brown’s absence was reported in the game recap as related to left hamstring tightness during the second game of a back-to-back.

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Boston’s win therefore deserves to be understood in the context of the players who were available. White and Pritchard supplied the major scoring, while Queta and Scheierman helped control the rebounding battle.

Houston Rockets Player Stats and Individual Performances

Houston’s leading scorers were Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. Durant scored 15 points, while Smith and Sengun recorded 13 apiece.

The Rockets also received contributions from Tari Eason, Amen Thompson, and several reserves. However, no Houston player reached the 20-point mark, leaving the team without a scorer who could match either of Boston’s leading guards.

Kevin Durant: Houston’s leading scorer with 15 points

Durant finished with 15 points, five rebounds, one assist, two steals, and one block. He made four of 11 field-goal attempts and seven of seven free throws.

Statistic	Kevin Durant
Minutes	33
Points	15
Field goals	4/11
Three-pointers	0/4
Free throws	7/7
Rebounds	5
Assists	1
Steals	2
Blocks	1
Plus-minus	-22

Durant’s perfect free-throw record helped him maintain his scoring total despite a difficult night from the field. His seven successful free throws represented nearly half of his points.

The main challenge was his perimeter shooting. He did not make a three-pointer in four attempts, limiting his ability to add quick points from outside.

This does not mean Durant’s performance alone explains Houston’s defeat. Boston’s defensive pressure, its control of rebounds, and its superior team scoring all contributed to the result. However, the Rockets needed more scoring production from their leading offensive options to challenge a 114-point performance.

Jabari Smith Jr.: 13 points and three three-pointers

Smith scored 13 points in 33 minutes. He made five of 12 field-goal attempts, including three of seven from three-point range, and recorded four rebounds and three assists.

Smith’s three made three-pointers were a positive part of Houston’s perimeter offense. His ability to score from distance provided spacing and helped prevent Boston from focusing entirely on the interior.

However, Smith finished with a plus-minus of -29, the lowest figure among Houston’s listed players. This means Houston was outscored by 29 points during his time on the floor. It should not be interpreted as a direct measure of his individual defensive ability, since plus-minus is affected by teammates, opponents, substitutions, and game conditions.

His scoring was useful, but Houston needed more consistent contributions across the full lineup.

Alperen Sengun: 13 points and 9 rebounds

Sengun finished with 13 points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double. He made five of 12 field-goal attempts and all three of his free throws. He also recorded three assists, three turnovers, two steals, and one block.

Statistic	Alperen Sengun
Minutes	31
Points	13
Field goals	5/12
Free throws	3/3
Rebounds	9
Assists	3
Turnovers	3
Steals	2
Blocks	1
Plus-minus	-22

Sengun was one of Houston’s most important interior players, but his nine rebounds fell well short of Queta’s 19. The comparison does not mean Sengun was solely responsible for the rebounding gap. Team positioning, missed-shot locations, defensive assignments, and contributions from other players all influence total rebounds.

Still, the difference illustrates how difficult it was for Houston to secure the ball after Boston missed a shot.

Sengun’s three assists also showed that he contributed to the offense beyond scoring. However, his three turnovers reduced the value of some possessions and added to the Rockets’ overall ball-handling burden.

The published recap also reports that Sengun was ejected midway through the fourth quarter after receiving two technical fouls. That incident was part of the game’s late sequence, but it does not change the underlying statistical explanation for Boston’s lead, which had already grown substantially in the third quarter.

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Tari Eason: Efficient shooting in a difficult game

Eason scored 10 points in 28 minutes and made four of six field-goal attempts. He was particularly effective from three-point range, converting both of his attempts.

He also collected four rebounds, one assist, and two offensive rebounds. His efficient shooting gave Houston useful scoring support, although his total contribution was not enough to offset Boston’s production.

Eason’s numbers demonstrate why field-goal percentage needs context. Making four of six shots is an excellent conversion rate, but a player who takes only six shots cannot always compensate for a team-wide scoring deficit of 21 points.

The Rockets needed more efficient production from a larger share of their rotation.

Amen Thompson: Playmaking and defensive activity

Thompson finished with 11 points, four rebounds, four assists, and one steal. He made three of eight field-goal attempts and one of two three-pointers, while converting four of eight free throws.

His four assists tied him for Houston’s highest individual assist total in the supplied box score. Thompson’s passing helped connect the offense, but his four missed free throws were a notable limitation.

Free throws are valuable because they offer opportunities to score without needing to make a field goal. Houston finished at 64% from the line, compared with Boston’s 85%. That difference became important in a game where the Celtics also created more possessions through rebounding.

Houston’s bench and supporting rotation

Houston’s reserves provided some scoring, but the team did not get the same high-output combination that Boston received from Pritchard and its other contributors.

Player	Points	Rebounds	Assists
Aaron Holiday	9	2	2
Clint Capela	4	5	0
Jeff Green	3	0	0
Isaiah Crawford	2	1	0
JD Davison	2	1	2
Josh Okogie	2	1	0
Jae’Sean Tate	0	0	0
Reed Sheppard	9	2	0

Holiday and Sheppard each scored nine points, giving Houston useful bench production. However, Pritchard alone scored 27 points, three times the output of either reserve guard.

This comparison does not establish that every bench player should score at the same rate. Their minutes, roles, and responsibilities differ. It does show how much Boston gained from its second unit in this particular matchup.

Houston’s bench also had limited opportunities to close the overall scoring gap because Boston continued to generate points through the middle and late stages of the game.

Celtics vs Rockets Team Stats Comparison

Individual performances explain who contributed, but team statistics show why Boston won. The Celtics had advantages in total rebounds, assists, three-point volume, and free-throw accuracy. Houston recorded more steals and scored more points in the paint, but those strengths were not enough to overcome Boston’s overall production.

The following table uses the published ESPN team-stat totals. One detail worth noting is that the supplied data summary lists different turnover totals from the published matchup statistics. ESPN’s team comparison lists 15 Boston turnovers and 10 Houston turnovers, so those are the figures used here for consistency with the source.

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Team statistic	Boston Celtics	Houston Rockets
Points	114	93
Field goals made	39	34
Field-goal attempts	90	82
Field-goal percentage	43%	41%
Three-pointers made	19	11
Three-point attempts	51	30
Three-point percentage	37%	37%
Free throws made	17	14
Free-throw attempts	20	22
Free-throw percentage	85%	64%
Total rebounds	57	38
Offensive rebounds	20	12
Defensive rebounds	37	26
Assists	26	16
Turnovers	15	10
Steals	6	10
Blocks	6	5
Points in the paint	36	42
Fast-break points	8	5
Points conceded off turnovers	21	14
Largest lead	29	6

Rebounding: Boston’s clearest statistical advantage

Boston won the rebounding battle 57-38, a difference of 19. The Celtics also collected 20 offensive rebounds compared with Houston’s 12.

This was arguably the most important team statistic after the three-point scoring difference. Every missed shot creates a potential change of possession. When the attacking team secures its own miss, it gets another chance to score without needing to force a turnover or win a new defensive possession.

Boston’s offensive rebounds gave the Celtics more opportunities to recover from missed shots. Their defensive rebounds also helped end Houston possessions and limited the Rockets’ chances to build scoring runs through second-chance baskets.

Queta’s 19 rebounds were central to that advantage, but the difference was a team effort. Scheierman added 10 rebounds, Garza collected six, and White and Pritchard contributed additional boards.

Houston’s 38 rebounds were not an insignificant total in isolation. The problem was the comparison. Against a team that collected 57, Houston repeatedly lost opportunities to regain possession after misses.

Three-point shooting: Equal accuracy, different volume

Both teams shot 37% from three-point range. Looking only at the percentage might suggest that their perimeter offenses performed similarly. The number of attempts tells a different story.

Boston made 19 of 51 three-pointers, while Houston made 11 of 30. Boston therefore made eight more shots from beyond the arc, generating 24 additional points from that category before considering the rest of the scoring.

The Celtics attempted 21 more three-pointers than the Rockets. Their higher volume created more chances to score three points on a single made basket.

This distinction is important when evaluating shooting statistics. A percentage measures accuracy, but it does not tell the full story of how many scoring opportunities a team generated or how many shots it made.

Boston’s perimeter approach proved effective because its players converted a substantial number of attempts while also creating scoring opportunities inside the arc.

Free-throw accuracy: Another advantage for Boston

Boston made 17 of 20 free throws, an 85% success rate. Houston made 14 of 22, converting 64%.

The Celtics made three more free throws despite attempting two fewer. That produced a six-point difference in successful free throws.

Free throws are often overlooked when a game features a large three-point scoring gap. However, missed free throws can become costly because they waste opportunities to score without needing to beat a defender or make a contested shot.

Houston’s 64% conversion rate left points unclaimed. In a closer game, those missed opportunities might have had an even greater impact on the final result.

Assists: Boston moved the ball more effectively

Boston recorded 26 assists, compared with Houston’s 16. The 10-assist difference suggests that the Celtics created more baskets directly through passes leading to made field goals.

White and Pritchard combined for 15 assists, showing that their roles extended beyond individual scoring. White recorded eight assists, while Pritchard had seven.

Ball movement can help an offense find open shooters, create driving lanes, and make defensive rotations more difficult. When the ball changes sides quickly, defenders may struggle to cover every available option.

Houston’s 16 assists show that the Rockets did create some opportunities for teammates. However, their lower total, combined with the scoring deficit, indicates that their offense was less productive overall.

Assists do not capture every good pass or every successful off-ball action, but they provide a useful measure of how often baskets came through direct teammate creation.

Steals and turnovers: Houston’s defensive activity was not enough

Houston recorded 10 steals, compared with Boston’s six. The Rockets also committed fewer turnovers in the published team comparison, with 10 against Boston’s 15.

These numbers are important because they show that Houston did have some areas of advantage. The Rockets were more active in generating steals and gave the ball away less often.

Yet the result illustrates why winning individual statistical categories does not guarantee victory. Boston’s advantages in rebounding, three-point volume, assists, and free-throw accuracy were more substantial in this matchup.

Houston also scored 42 points in the paint, six more than Boston’s 36. That suggests the Rockets found opportunities near the basket even while struggling to match Boston’s overall scoring.

The broader lesson is that basketball performance is multidimensional. A team may win the turnover battle and score well inside but still lose because it gives up too many rebounds and allows its opponent to make more perimeter shots.

Why the Celtics Won: Three Main Tactical Factors

1. Boston generated more scoring opportunities

The Celtics’ 20 offensive rebounds were a major part of their success. A team that repeatedly recovers missed shots can generate extra attempts and force the opponent to defend for longer periods.

Boston also made five more field goals overall than Houston, despite attempting eight more shots. Its advantage in attempts was consistent with the rebounding difference and the additional possessions created through offensive boards.

The Celtics did not need every possession to end in a made basket. They simply needed to create more productive opportunities over the full game.

2. Two guards supplied high-level scoring and playmaking

White and Pritchard combined for 55 points and 15 assists. Their performances gave Boston two players capable of scoring from the perimeter and creating opportunities for teammates.

When an offense has only one consistent scoring threat, the defense can focus its attention on that player. Boston’s two leading guards made that approach more difficult.

White’s six three-pointers stretched the defense, while Pritchard’s five made threes added another perimeter threat. Both also contributed heavily as passers.

The result was an offense that did not depend on a single player making every important shot.

3. Boston’s third quarter turned a competitive game into a comfortable win

The Celtics outscored Houston 36-21 in the third period. That 15-point quarter was the biggest difference between the teams and expanded Boston’s halftime lead from seven to 22.

Once Boston had built that cushion, Houston faced greater pressure to score quickly and close the gap. But the Rockets’ 30-point fourth quarter was only one point better than Boston’s output, leaving the final margin at 21.

The third-quarter performance is therefore central to any explanation of the result. The Celtics were not simply a little better in every period. They produced one dominant stretch that changed the competitive situation.

What the Player Stats Reveal About Houston’s Challenges

Houston’s defeat was not caused by a single weakness. Instead, several smaller problems combined to produce a substantial scoring gap.

Limited scoring from the leading options

Durant led the Rockets with 15 points. Smith and Sengun scored 13 each, while Eason and Thompson added 10 and 11.

No Houston player reached 20 points. By contrast, Boston had two players with at least 27 points.

That difference mattered because Houston needed to compensate for Boston’s high-scoring guards. The Rockets received contributions from several players, but their leading scorers did not generate enough points to match Boston’s top two options.

Rebounding made Houston’s defensive possessions harder

Houston’s 38 rebounds were 19 fewer than Boston’s total. The Rockets also gave up eight more offensive rebounds than they collected.

When a defense forces a miss but cannot secure the rebound, the defensive work is incomplete. The opposing team can keep possession and create another scoring opportunity.

This is especially important against a team that shoots a high volume of three-pointers. Even when the initial shot misses, an offensive rebound can allow the attack to reset and try again.

Free throws left opportunities unused

Houston’s 64% free-throw accuracy was well below Boston’s 85%. The Rockets attempted 22 free throws, so their misses had a measurable effect on their scoring output.

A team does not need to shoot perfectly to win. But converting a higher percentage of free throws would have helped Houston keep the score closer, particularly while Boston was building its lead.

The late-game disciplinary incidents added to the difficulty

The published game recap reports that Houston head coach Ime Udoka was ejected at the end of the third quarter after receiving a double technical, and Sengun was ejected midway through the fourth after receiving two technical fouls.

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These incidents formed part of the game’s closing sequence. They should be treated as context rather than the primary explanation for the defeat, because Boston had already built a substantial advantage before Sengun’s ejection.

The statistical evidence points most clearly to Boston’s rebounding and third-quarter scoring surge as the central factors.

Season Series: Celtics and Rockets Split Their Two Meetings

The February 5 result brought the season series between Boston and Houston to a 1-1 tie, according to the supplied game data.

Meeting	Result	Winner	Margin
First meeting, November 2	Rockets 128, Celtics 101	Houston	27 points
Second meeting, February 5	Celtics 114, Rockets 93	Boston	21 points

The two results show how differently the teams performed across their meetings. Houston won the first game by 27 points, while Boston answered with a 21-point victory in the second.

The contrast is particularly interesting because both teams demonstrated the ability to win decisively. The first meeting favored Houston’s offense, while the February matchup favored Boston’s perimeter scoring, rebounding, and ball movement.

A tied season series does not establish which team is stronger overall. The games occurred under different circumstances, and individual availability, lineup combinations, shooting performance, and tactical adjustments can influence a single matchup.

The February game nevertheless provided useful evidence about how Boston could challenge Houston. The Celtics showed that they could create a significant scoring advantage through three-point volume and rebounding, even on the road.

How to Read Basketball Match Player Statistics Correctly

Understanding a box score requires more than identifying the player with the most points. The most useful analysis connects individual statistics with the team’s overall performance.

Points and shooting percentages

Points show a player’s scoring output, while field-goal percentage indicates how often field-goal attempts result in successful shots.

White scored 28 points, but his performance becomes clearer when considered alongside his 10-for-25 field-goal shooting and six made three-pointers. Pritchard’s 27 points came on nine made field goals, including five three-pointers.

Both players contributed substantially, but they did so through different combinations of attempts and scoring opportunities.

Rebounds and second chances

Total rebounds combine offensive and defensive rebounds.

• Offensive rebounds extend a team’s possession after a missed shot.
• Defensive rebounds help end the opponent’s possession.
• Total rebounds provide an overview of which team secured more missed shots.

Queta’s 19 rebounds were particularly significant because they exceeded the total recorded by any Houston player. Boston’s 20 offensive rebounds also helped the team generate additional opportunities.

Assists and team offense

An assist is credited when a pass directly leads to a made field goal under the applicable statistical rules.

White’s eight assists and Pritchard’s seven illustrate how Boston’s main scoring threats also helped teammates. The Celtics finished with 26 assists as a team, compared with Houston’s 16.

Turnovers and steals

A turnover occurs when a team loses possession without completing a scoring attempt under the relevant rules. A steal is credited when a defender takes possession from an opponent.

Houston’s 10 steals and lower turnover total in the published team comparison show that it performed well in these categories. However, those advantages did not outweigh Boston’s stronger results elsewhere.

Plus-minus and its limitations

Plus-minus measures the difference between a team’s scoring and its opponent’s scoring while a particular player is on the court.

Queta’s +22 and Pritchard’s +17 were strong figures for Boston. Smith’s -29 was a difficult number for Houston.

However, plus-minus is not a complete measure of individual ability. It is affected by teammates, opponents, lineup combinations, substitutions, and the game situation. It is most useful when combined with shooting, rebounding, assists, and other evidence.

Official Box Score and Game Information

Readers who want to verify individual player totals, team statistics, and scoring by quarter can consult the official ESPN Celtics vs Rockets box score.

The box score is the most useful starting point for checking the final score, player minutes, shooting attempts, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, turnovers, and plus-minus. For detailed game events, the play-by-play record provides additional context about when important baskets, fouls, and other incidents occurred.

When publishing or updating a basketball statistics article, it is good practice to compare the player tables with the official game record. This helps prevent errors caused by mixing team totals, individual statistics, or data from different meetings.

It is also important to distinguish between the date shown in a local publication and the date shown in another region. The game took place on February 4 in Houston’s local time, while some international ESPN listings display February 5. Both dates can refer to the same game.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who won the Celtics vs Houston Rockets game on February 5, 2026?

The Boston Celtics defeated the Houston Rockets 114-93 at Toyota Center in Houston. Boston won by 21 points after outscoring Houston 36-21 in the third quarter.

2. Who scored the most points in the Celtics vs Rockets matchup?

Derrick White led all players with 28 points for Boston. Payton Pritchard scored 27 points, giving the Celtics two players with at least 27 points.

3. How many rebounds did Neemias Queta record against Houston?

Neemias Queta recorded 19 rebounds, including seven offensive rebounds and 12 defensive rebounds. He also scored 10 points and blocked five shots.

4. How many points did Kevin Durant score against the Celtics?

Kevin Durant scored 15 points for Houston. He made four field goals and all seven of his free throws, while finishing without a made three-pointer.

5. What was the biggest statistical difference between Boston and Houston?

Rebounding was one of the clearest differences. Boston collected 57 rebounds, compared with Houston’s 38. The Celtics also made 19 three-pointers, while the Rockets made 11.

6. What was the season-series result between the Celtics and Rockets?

The season series was tied 1-1 according to the supplied results. Houston won the first meeting 128-101 on November 2, and Boston won the February 5 matchup 114-93.

Conclusion

The February 5, 2026, Celtics vs Houston Rockets matchup demonstrated how rebounding, perimeter scoring, and balanced offensive production can determine the outcome of an NBA game. Boston secured a 114-93 road victory by combining Derrick White’s 28 points and eight assists with Payton Pritchard’s 27 points and Neemias Queta’s 19 rebounds.

The team statistics reinforce the result. Boston collected 57 rebounds, made 19 three-pointers, recorded 26 assists, and converted 85% of its free throws. Houston had advantages in steals and points in the paint, but its 38 rebounds and 64% free-throw accuracy were not enough to match the Celtics’ overall production.

The decisive moment came in the third quarter, when Boston scored 36 points and held Houston to 21. That 15-point advantage transformed a competitive first half into a substantial lead that the Rockets could not overcome.

For anyone examining basketball player statistics, the main lesson is to consider the complete picture. Individual scoring totals matter, but rebounds, shooting volume, assists, turnovers, and the timing of scoring runs help explain why a team wins. In this game, Boston’s collective performance was the difference.