Boston Celtics: 3 keys to victory over the Houston Rockets
By Mark Nilon
The blazing hot Boston Celtics will be squaring off tonight against the even hotter Houston Rockets. Here are three keys to getting the edge over one of the West’s best.
Prior to the All-Star break, the Boston Celtics were one of the hottest teams in the NBA, as they won 10 of their last 12 contests — closing out this stretch with a huge win over the star-studded Los Angeles Clippers.
Post the midseason festivities, the team’s winning ways have managed to continue, as they are 3-1 since returning to action, and have looked just as fiery of a squad even without franchise point guard Kemba Walker in the lineup (sidelined due to a lingering knee issue).
Hell, their one loss against the Lakers is as asterisk deserving as any. To not group the C’s in the top of the pecking order post All-Star Weekend would be an absolute travesty.
As for their adversary in tonight’s game, the Houston Rockets, they too must be seen as one of the hottest team’s that the league currently has to offer.
With James Harden and Russell Westbrook, Houston should have always been seen as a menacing unit. However, since they’ve altered their lineup by going historically small-ball oriented, they have accumulated a record of 9-2 (6-1 against playoff teams) and have an offensive rating of 118 (best in the NBA).
The Boston Celtics were one of the team’s they managed to beat during this span, as they fell to Houston (February 11th) to the tune of 116-105.
Are the Rockets playing amazing basketball as of late? Of course, but they are certainly not unbeatable. If the C’s wish to exact revenge on Houston, there are three keys they should hone in on.